Dianxia Qingcheng - Chapter 19

 Qi Changyi was startled, his body shook a little, and the top of his head hit desk, making a "bang" sound.

 He was so in pain that tears came out, and he covered the top of his head pitifully.

 Why is the Fourth Brother still here? Fortunately, he didn't go out directly, otherwise he would be caught.

 Pei Zheng lifted his eyelids and looked at Qi Changfeng. His slender body was full of righteousness, and he looked cold and inviolable.

 Although Qi Changfeng and Qi Changyi look similar, their temperaments are certainly different. If Qi Changfeng is a high mountain snow lotus, then Qi Changyi is a pretty and flirtatious red lotus.

 "It's nothing, it's just a little rabbit raised by Wei Chen. Recently, he has been sick and has made a lot of trouble, so This Minister put him under the desk."

 When Pei Zheng said that, he panicked, but his face was not red nor his heart was jumping, "If the Fourth Prince doesn't believe it, just come and have a look."

 The man under him froze with obvious nervousness, and shook his head repeatedly while pulling on Pei Zheng's robe.

 You must not, what if the Fourth Brother really came over and see him, kneeling between a man's legs in a disheveled manner? What a scandal! 

 Pei Zheng was sure that Qi Changfeng would ignore his proposal, how could the proud and noble Fourth Prince be interested in a rabbit.

 Sure enough, Qi Changfeng didn't move, just snorted coldly, "Lord Pei, who has always regarded human life as a grass, actually cares so much about a sick rabbit, which is really surprising."

 Qi Changyi was relieved to hear this. It's okay, the Fourth Brother believed it.

 Pei Zheng felt that Qi Changyi's body was slowly relaxing, and he couldn't help but smile. He was really a naive and innocent little person, did he really think he was so safe?

 While looking at Qi Changfeng, he moved his fingers under the desk, and after groping for the little man's slightly opened lips, he put his fingers in.

 "People should always have a preference, right?"

 Pei Zheng said with a smile on the corner of his mouth, his fingers fiddling with the soft tongue.

 Qi Changyi held Pei Zheng's slender fingers in his mouth, and he didn't dare to make a swallowing sound, so he could only let a few silver strands slowly drip from the corner of his mouth.

 "Could it be that the Fourth Prince has to take care of the personal preferences of This Minister?"

 The fingers that were entangled with the little tongue were moving relentlessly, sometimes fast and sometimes slow, with the sound of gurgling water.

 Qi Changyi couldn't resist being teased, and after his tongue was suddenly caught between two fingers, he couldn't help sobbing.

 It seems that Pei Zheng made him make a sound on purpose.

 The sudden sound and soft whimper from under the desk deeply hurt Qi Changfeng's ears.

 He knew that there must be no rabbit under the table. But he also didn't believe that Pei Zheng, in the broad daylight really dared to do some illicit things in the study.

 "Pei Zheng!"

 Qi Changfeng shouted sternly, "Even if you are used to being daring, you should see the situation clearly. This is not your Prime Minister's residence. You dare to do excessive things in the Palace during the day, but you will be punished for a serious crime!"

 Who knew that Pei Zheng had no fear at all, "Fourth Prince, is this a serious crime of This Minister?"

 He retracted his fingers, stood up and walked to Qi Changfeng.

 "By the way, what did the Fourth Prince call a minister just now? Since he(Fourth Prince) knew that he was in the Palace, he didn't call him Lord Pei, but instead called him by his name." Pei Zheng suddenly whispered, "Isn't Your Highness the Fourth Prince secretly in love with This Minister?"

 Qi Changfeng was so incited that his breath trembled, "You! You are beyond redemption!" (1)

 Then he walked away angrily.

 The study is really quiet now.

 Pei Zheng stood silently for a long time before he remembered that there was a little person under the desk. 

 He walked to the desk and pulled Qi Changyi out.

 After kneeling for a long time, Qi Changyi's legs were numb. Pei Zheng just pulled him up and he couldn't stand still and sat down. After falling on his bottom part, he frowned and rubbed his round little buttocks. 

 Pei Zheng looked at him from above, and suddenly said, "Your Highness is still up, do you want me to knead it for you?"

___________________________

(1)无可救药

• no antidote is possible

- incurable

• incorrigible

• beyond redemption

Dianxia Qingcheng - Chapter 18

 Fortunately, Cheng Feng quickly stretched out his legs and kicked Qi Changyi's scattered robes and jade belt to the hidden place behind the door.

 The Fourth Prince seemed to be here specifically to find Pei Zheng. As soon as he came in, he went straight to the desk where Pei Zheng was sitting, and questioned angrily,

 "Lord Pei walked very fast. Before I could discuss the result, Lord Pei left everyone behind and ran to the study alone. It's really not caring about other people!"

 The several officials who followed behind were also full of resentment, nodding their heads in agreement. If there was no support from the Fourth Prince, they would never dare to attack Pei Zheng in such a group way.

 "Your Highness, the Fourth Prince, Wei Chen thinks that the Emperor has said it clearly enough, and the matter of marriage is a certainty. If you have any dissatisfaction, you can directly submit a memorial to the emperor." Pei Zheng sat upright without raising his eyelids. 

 Outsiders can only see him sitting neatly dressed, but they don't know that his fingers are kneading the soft and tender earlobe somewhere under the desk.

 "Present the memorial?" The Fourth Prince asked back, "I'm afraid that the memorial about the barbarian tribe will be thrown aside by the Emperor. You are the only one who can persuade the emperor to take back his order, Lord Pei."

 Pei Zheng raised his lips slightly, "Oh? What if This Minister is unwilling?"

 The tone was a little contemptuous and provocative, and the atmosphere in the study instantly became tense.

 The Fourth prince's handsome face darkened. This Pei Zheng really didn't know the good and bad, and how to weigh the pros and cons. He listen but do not hear, and is stubborn as if he had some special intentions. 

 Several officials also wanted to open their mouths to continue arguing with Pei Zheng, but were interrupted directly by him, "If everyone wants to stay and drink tea together, I will naturally accompany you, but if you want to discuss this matter, we might as well go to meet the Shengshang (1) together. ?"

 He glanced at a few people, and those officials obviously shrinked back. They didn't have the courage to really argue with Pei Zheng in front of the Emperor.

 Those officials looked at each other helplessly (2), and said to the Fourth Prince together, "Your Highness, this..."

 The Fourth Prince stood up straight and closed his eyes, "You withdraw first."

 Those people hurried out of the study as if they had received an 'exempt from punishment' order.

 The study suddenly became quiet. Qi Changyi, who was still lying under the desk, listened carefully. Everyone should have left.

 His legs were already numb from kneeling. But with the corners of Pei Zheng's robe covering his body, he didn't feel cold anymore. He even felt the heat from Pei Zheng's legs, and couldn't help leaning towards the source of the warmth. 

 At this moment, Pei Zheng withdrew the fingers that kneaded the earlobe. The skin that was white and almost transparent now turned red, as if it was about to drip blood. 

 Qi Changyi secretly moved on Pei Zheng's legs. Pei Zheng moved back slightly, looking under the desk with his eyes down.

 The little man was lying on his lap with half of his body, and happened to raise his eyes to look at him. Together with the white clothes on his body, he is very well-behaved like a little rabbit who people are fond of. 

 Pei Zheng's line of sight was involuntarily attracted by his small red earlobes, which were his masterpiece.

 Qi Changyi moved his mouth, asking "Pei-Gege, can I go out?"

 As a result, before Pei Zheng could answer, the sullen voice of the Fourth Prince in the study sounded.

 "Lord Pei, This Prince is still standing here and you just ignore it without even looking at This Prince? What good things are there under the desk that can make Lord Pei look so fascinated?"

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Notes:

(1)圣上

• courtier's or minister's form of address for the current Emperor

(2)你看看我 我看看你

-lit."You look at me, and I look at you" 

- Describes people staring at each other out of fear or helplessness, not speaking.

Dianxia Qingcheng - Chapter 17

 Take off the clothes here?

 This is the study room, the place that pays the most attention to etiquette, how can one undress here?

 Qi Changyi whispered, "No, Imperial Tutor said that one must keep one's appearance clean when one is in the study..."

 He lowered his head and answered earnestly, not noticing the gradually approaching shadow.

 Pei Zheng's tall figure stood in front of Qi Changyi and he stretched out his fingers to lift his chin. The little man's lips were frozen and bloodless, and his little face was a little pale.

 "Oh? You have listened to everything Mr. said. What about my words, does Your Highness listens?"

 "Pei, Pei-Gege's words, of course, I listen to, but you also have to listen to Mr.'s words." Qi Changyi frowned slightly, this problem was beyond his scope of handling, and he didn't know what to do for a while. 

 Pei Zheng wasn't in a hurry, he just stared into his eyes and waited.

 Qi Changyi's eyes dodged slightly, he didn't dare to look at Pei Zheng. Those pitch-black eyes were dark and turbulent, and they looked scary.

 But Pei Zheng seemed to be dissatisfied with him evading and squeezed his chin to force him to look at himself.

 "Your Highness, my patience is limited. I count three, if you don't take it off, then I can only help you."

 Qi Changyi's eyes widened suddenly, he knew that Pei Zheng always did what he said. But if Pei-Gege personally took off his clothes and undressed him while in such a holy and elegant place, it would be such a shame.

 "Three...two..." Pei Zheng really began to count.

 "Don't, don't count, I don't need Pei-Gege's help, I'll take it off myself. The nanny from the Palace taught me."

 Qi Changyi bit his lips, his soft little hands tremblingly began to untie the belt around his waist. And then he slowly took off his soaked outer clothing.

 After the thick outer robe was taken off, there was only a layer of white silk clothes worn next to the skin left. Now it was wet and wrapped tightly around the fair and tender skin.

 Together with the slight trembling of the little man, he looks extraordinarily weak and delicate, making people want to see him shedding tears when being ruthlessly bullied and pressed to the bed. 

 Pei Zheng's eyes became darker and darker, his hand was attached to the layer of white silk and he  groped it for a few times. The exceptionally good feeling when touching made people want to get more.

 But before he could continue to do anything, Cheng Feng suddenly broke in. When he saw Qi Changyi who was disheveled in the study, he lowered his eyes quickly.

 When he withdrew, Cheng Feng had already changed into clean clothes, and said with his hands folded, "Master, Your Highness, the Fourth Prince and several other officials are coming to the study, and they will be there soon."

 During the conversation, there were a few people talking on the Long Corridor outside the study, and the voices were getting closer and closer.

 What should be done, Qi Changyi has no clothes to change to, and this kind of appearance must not appear in front of outsiders.

 He became anxious, looked at Pei Zheng for help, and blinked his innocent big eyes sincerely.

 Pei Zheng looked around, the study is such a big place, but there is really no place to hide.

  He simply grabbed Qi Changyi's slender and weak wrist with one hand and pulled him over like a little rabbit. He strode to the highest desk in front of him, and shoved the little man into the space under the desk. Then he sat down and covered the man inside the desk with his legs. 

 The space under the desk was limited, so Qi Changyi had to kneel between Pei Zheng's legs. The posture is awkward and weird, but he knows that he must not be found now, so he tightly covered his mouth with his small hands. 

 Pei Zheng lowered his eyes and glanced at the little man. He covered most of his body with his robe, patted it lightly, and then raised his head to look at the person who came.

 The robe with gold embroidering was the first to step into the door, and the Fourth Prince Qi Changfeng walked in with a grim face, surrounded by several officials.

Dianxia Qingcheng - Chapter 16

 Qi Changyi still had the power to struggle at first, but the harder he struggled, the louder the jeers on the shore.

 Later, he gradually felt that his arms lost strength, he was deeply dizzy and the ice-cold pool water slowly covered his head.

 Is he going to die? Why does my chest hurt so much?

 The Second and Third Princess on the shore saw Qi Changyi stop moving, but they still watched from the sidelines.

 Anyway, he is a fool who no one cares about. They just make fun of him, and no one will blame them.

 With a plop, a man in black suddenly appeared out of nowhere, jumped directly into the lotus pond and fished the already unconscious bright yellow little figure. 

 Cheng Feng holded Qi Changyi and flew out of the water directly. When he landed on the shore, he splashed the water on the faces of the two Princesses.

 He glanced coldly at the people around him. Actually, he had learned a little from Pei Zheng. He then placed the person gently on the open space on the shore, and pressed his hands together on the little man's chest.

 After a while, Qi Changyi suddenly opened his eyes, coughed up a big mouthful of water and then desperately took a deep breath. After panting for a long time, his violently heaving chest gradually calmed down.

 Cheng Feng asked, "Your Highness, can you stand up?"

 Qi Changyi nodded lightly, and stood up with Cheng Feng's support.

 Cheng Feng helped Qi Changyi to turn around and they left, ignoring the two pretentious Princesses.

 The Third Princess, Qi Yirou, saw that a small guard dared to neglect her like this. Her arrogant and domineering temper came up again, and she walked in front of the two to stop them.

 "How dare you! You are a dog slave. You are not only rude when you meet This Princess, but you also dare to take people away under my eyes. Who gave you the courage! Believe it or not, I will have you dragged out and beaten to death with a cane!"

 Cheng Feng gave a salute without being arrogant or rude, and said, "Third Princess, this low official is on orders, you really can't delay me. Princess, please let me pass."

 "Who? Who dares to snatch someone from This Princess?" Qi Yirou stared at him with a completely unreasonable look.

 "Pei Zheng, Lord Pei." Cheng Feng said.

 Qi Yirou was stunned for a moment, and the arm she used to block was slowly retracted. She really didn't expect it to be Pei Zheng.

 Cheng Feng didn't stay any longer, and left with drenched all over Qi Changyi in his arms, who was trembling continously. 

 Qi Yirou, who was staring at the backs of the two of them, clenched her fists slowly behind her.

 With every step Qi Changyi took, he seemed to get a little colder. His cold and his condition was not very good at first, but now the whole light as feather person, resembled cotton being stepped on. 

 Cheng Feng was also soaked wet, but his body was strong, and it was if he didn't feel it at all.

 When they finally walked back to the study, Pei Zheng was already waiting inside, drinking tea while sitting on the carved red-wood chair.

 After Qi Changyi saw Pei Zheng, the grievances in his heart and feeling of being wronged secretly came up again and again.

 Seeing that both of them were in a state of embarrassment, Pei Zheng frowned and asked, "What's the matter? You didn't stay in the study obediently, and after running out for a while, you made yourself look like this ghost."

 Qi Changyi grabbed his wet sleeves, bit his lip and didn't speak.

 Cheng Feng told the truth about what he had seen and heard just now. Pei Zheng held the teacup and listened silently. The more he listened, the more complicated his eyes became.

 Qi Yirou, the Third Princess who has been favored since childhood, is arrogant and domineering. She is quick to take offence and at any time she will bestow death (1) on maids and eunuchs. But her bad reputation is still not above Pei Zheng.

 After Pei Zheng finished listening, he flicked his sleeves and let Cheng Feng withdraw.

 In the huge study, at this time, apart from the desk and huge mat all over thre floor, there were only Qi Changyi standing aside with his head lowered, and Pei Zheng staring at his soaked clothes.

 A gust of breeze blew, and Qi Changyi couldn't help shivering. He was really cold and uncomfortable. He wanted to go back and change into clean clothes, but he didn't dare to speak.

 "Take it off." Pei Zheng said suddenly.

 Qi Changyi raised his head in astonishment, his mouth slightly opened in surprise.

 Pei Zheng's eyes darkened as he looked at the little man and said word by word, "Your Highness, take off your clothes."

____________________________

(1)赐死

• to commit suicide on the orders of a superior 

- bestow death

Dianxia Qingcheng - Chapter 15

 After a day of recovering in the Living Quarters , Qi Changyi's fever finally subsided, but his body was still empty.

 Li Yu was sent back by Cheng Feng not long after Pei Zheng left. Fortunately, before he was rescued he only suffered a few hits from a plank. 

 Jiang Yubai came again, to look at Li Yu's injuries, but his expression changed after seeing Cheng Feng in black robes in the hall.

 When he was applying medicine to Li Yu's blooming bottom part, he felt that there was a line of eyes staring at his back from behind.

 "Does it look good?"

 Jiang Yubai turned around and laughed deliberately.

 Cheng Feng remained expressionless, but his ears turned red, and he left without saying a word.

 Jiang Yubai pouted, "What a boring idiot."

 Li Yu needs to lie on the bed for a few days now, so Qi Changyi can only go to the study by himself.

 Pei Zheng didn't know what method he used, but the Emperor agreed to let him teach and guide Qi Changyi.

 The next day, Qi Changyi woke up early in the morning, put on a clean robe, and tied his hair with a crown. The face of the little man in the copper mirror was extremely beautiful and alluring.

 After happily rushing to the study, it was quiet and empty. Now, hundreds of military officials should be in the Court. 

 Qi Changyi obediently found the desk and sat down. It wasn't that he never went to the study before. It's just that he is the youngest of all the princes, and he is really a little stupid and unable to understand. Imperial Tutor was so angry that he didn't want to teach him any more.

 Therefore, he never went to the study room again.

 A Long Corridor can be seen from the window of the study room. Officials who walk by in twos and threes at the end of the Corridor all go to the Hanlin Academy to discuss matters.

 The familiar official robe suddenly appeared on the Long Corridor. Pei Zheng was really handsome and had an indifferent smile on the corner of his mouth.

 Qi Changyi was lying on the window sill, his eyes were glistening and he was about to stretch out his hand to call out to Pei-Gege. But when he saw the person behind Pei Zheng, the light in his eyes dimmed instantly.

 Qi Changfeng was also wearing an official robe with gold threads edging. He looked like a jade tree facing the wind. He was frowning slightly and saying something to Pei Zheng.

 Seeing that the two were slowly approaching, Qi Changyi quickly squatted down, covered his mouth and didn't make a sound. In fact, he was so heartbroken that he was about to pass away.

  Pei-Gege and his fourth brother are very intelligent and smart people. They can discuss the world's important affairs together, but he himself doesn't have that kind of talent. He is like an ordinary weed, that was thrown into the wasteland and no one cared or even took a glance at it. 

 The sound of the conversation between the two gradually faded away. Qi Changyi still did not stand up, he sat silently by the window sill, his head buried in his knees.

 It is unknown how long he had been sitting already, but Pei Zheng still hasn't come to the study.

 Has he forgotten?

 No, he must have been delayed by more important things, and he will definitely come after a while.

 Qi Changyi's eyes slowly became wet, tears that seeped into his knees faded away and disappeared.

 His legs are already numb. How come Pei-Gege hasn't come yet.

 After waiting for a long time, Qi Changyi stood up and slowly, like a lonely soul walked out of the study.

 Outside, the sky was clear and sunny, and the light breeze was blowing.

 Qi Changyi was walking aimlessly in the huge garden. He felt wronged and bitter in his heart. But no one spoke or told him anything.

 Just like this, he walked to a pond full of lotuses. The fragrance that came out, made people feel relaxed and happy, but the little man with his head bowed seemed to have no mood to appreciate the beautiful scenery at all.

 From behind come out a few bell-like laughters. The Second and Third Princess were playing with a group of servants beside them.

 When they saw Qi Changyi, they said, "Hey, little fool, why are you here alone? Come and play with us."

 Qi Changyi said, "I'm not a fool."

 The Third Princess smiled sarcastically, "Alright, alright, Your Royal Highness."

 Qi Changyi didn't want to pay any more attention to them, and turned to leave.

 The Third Princess suddenly walked up to him, stretched out her hand and pushed him hard.

 With a plop, the unsuspecting Qi Changyi fell straight into the water.

 He kept struggling, the ice-cold pool water filled his mouth.

 The people on the shore laughed loudly while pointing at him, "The Honorable Prince has fallen into the water, why is no one here to rescue our Highness, hahahaha."

Dianxia Qingcheng - Chapter 14

 "The Imperial Physician Jiang is here." The eunuch's announcement came from outside the door.

 Pei Zheng hugged the little man and didn't move.

 Jiang Yubai stepped into the door of the Resting Hall. He was wearing imperial doctor's uniform. His appearance was delicate and pretty. He coughed softly after seeing the two people on the bed.

 "Greetings to Lord Pei."

 Pei Zheng then stepped aside calmly, "Imperial psychician Jiang, thank you for your trouble."(1)

 Qi Changyi originally leaned comfortably on Pei Zheng's chest, but all of a sudden he lost his support. He pouted in dissatisfaction, but sensibly cooperated with Jiang Yubai's pulse diagnosis. 

 "His Royal Highness is just infected with the cold, It's not serious. While waiting for me to write a prescription, let people grab the auxiliary medicine."

 Jiang Yubai withdrew his hand and turned around to write the prescription.

 Just now, people from the Palace of the Prince bursted into the Imperial Hospital under the name of Pei Zheng. Looking at this style , they thought that the Prince had some incurable disease. Jiang Yubai was frightened and ran over in a hurry, but it the end it was nothing more than just a little cold.

 "Wait, there are other injuries on his body. Imperial Doctor Jiang should treat them all in one go."

 Pei Zheng said suddenly. Those were obviously caring words, but from his mouth it sounded more like ice-cold ordering people around. (2)

 Jiang Yubai pouted. He had to go to the bed again to carefully examine Qi Changyi.

 "The injury is in the knee, and other places don't need to be checked." 

 Pei Zheng said faintly again.

 Jiang Yubai really couldn't help turning around and giving him a roll of eyes. If he don't want to let him touch His Highness, better just be straightforward. There's no need to beat around the bush(3) and insulting his personal integrity as a doctor.

 But he was afraid of the cold-blooded Prime Minister's methods, so he carefully lifted Qi Changyi's trousers to check.

 The fair and thin knees were really red and swollen. Some places have even become bruised, which makes people's hearts hurt.

 The lonely Little Highness really fell into the bloody hands of Pei Zheng and depended on him. Jiang Yubai came to treat him from time to time on normal days. Some injuries were caused by bulling of other people in the Living Quarters , and some were caused by Pei Zheng.

 After hurriedly writing a few prescriptions for the cold and injuries, Jiang Yubai retired.

 He ordered the people in the Living Quarters to take the medicine and cook it. Pei Zheng sat on Qi Changyi's bedside and picked up a handbook beside his bed.

 It is full of careful and neatly handwriting, which is too orderly to look at and even looks a bit old-fashioned.

 This is the effect of him asking Qi Changyi to read more books and writing more characters on normal days. Now it seems that he is really obediently practicing.

 However, when the manual was turned to the last few pages, there was actually Zhao Litang's name written numerously and close together. The strokes were written especially earnestly and with particular care.

 Pei Zheng raised his hand and at once tore the handbook in half and threw it under the bed.

 After the medicine was prepared, the palace maid respectfully brought it up. She wanted to go forward and feed it to Qi Changyi.

 Pei Zheng stretched out his hand to take the medicine bowl and sent the palace maid back.

 Qi Changyi was still lying on the bed with his eyes closed and with expression of feeling a little painful. His cheeks were flushed red like a rouge that a woman had specially ordered.

 Pei Zheng helped him up and made him lean on his shoulder, but his movements were not gentle.

 "Drink it."

 But the medicine was really too bitter. The dazed little man spit out all the contoction with a flip of his tongue, and took in a breath, "It's so bitter, so bitter."

 Pei Zheng became impatient, he directly raised his head and took all the black medicine from the bowl into his mouth. He then pinched Qi Changyi's cheeks with his fingers, forcing him to open his purple-red lips.

 Qi Changyi was in pain and his eyes were slightly moist. Before he could react, his lips were tightly sealed, and then the bitter mixture poured into his mouth.

 He instinctively wanted to spit out the concoction again, but his tongue was firmly suppressed by another softness. He could only swallow the bitter black medicine into his throat while whimpering.

 After he swallowed the mixture , Pei Zheng didn't move his lips. He attacked the city and plundered the land as if he was punishing, as if he was going to tear the little man apart and swallow him whole,leaving his marks in every place before giving up. 

 Before parting, Pei Zheng bit his teeth on red and alluring little lips and the bloody taste entered the mouths of the two of them. Qi Changyi hissed in pain, pretty and flirtatious blood flowers bloomed on his lips.

 Pei Zheng stretched out his finger and wiped it for him, and said in a cold voice, "Your Highness, please take care of your illness. You must not be late in the study for class tomorrow."

 After he finished speaking, he got up and left.

 Qi Changyi lay down on the bed softly, covering his mouth and staring at the bed curtain above his head.

 Is Pei-Gege a dog? Otherwise how could this bite hurt him so much?

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Notes:

(1)有劳

• (polite) thank you for your trouble 

- also used when asking a favor or after having received one

(2)发号施令 

• to boss people around

(3)拐弯抹角

• going round the curves and skirting the corners 

• to speak in a roundabout way

• to equivocate

• to beat about the bush

Dianxia Qingcheng - Chapter 13

 Qi Changyi's high fever came up again. His face was red and his eyes were dizzy, and he could only see the black robes all over his body.

 This is Pei-Gege's robe, Qi Changyi's weak hand grabbed the splendid and beautiful robe under him.

 Pei Zheng's cold voice sounded above his head, "Your Royal Highness really choose a good time. In General Zhao's presence, you fainted in This Minister's arms. Do you want to provoke him?"

 Qi Changyi was muddle-headed and stuck out his tongue, "Pei-Gege, I didn't faint on purpose, it's my head that was too dizzy. I'm so hot but also so cold. It feels like there are little ants crawling on my body. It's really difficult to bear."

 Pei Zheng grabbed his chaotic little hand, "Your Royal Highness, we still haven't reached the Living Quarters, you better conduct yourself with dignity."

 Qi Changyi looked around in confusion. Pei Zheng was carrying him back to the Living Quarters. Although the eunuchs, maids and guards on the way did not dare to stare openly, they were all secretly looking at the two of them.

 He felt ashamed afterwards. He buried his face in Pei Zheng's chest, and said sullenly, "Others won't recognize me this way."

 Pei Zheng glanced at the gold embroidered robe that only princes could wear on him. Yes, but only if everyone else is as foolish as he is and won't recognize this robes. 

 Suddenly thinking of something, Qi Changyi raised his small face in Pei Zheng's arms. Afraid of being heard by others he said in a soft voice, "Pei-Gege, you must save Xiao Yuzi, the Empress wants him to be beaten with a plank. It's because of me, that he quarreled with that sister."

 Pei Zheng made an indifferent "en", and then hooked the corners of his mouth and smiled, "Your Highness, You can't just ask for help like this, you have to pay a price."

 Qi Changyi had a fever, and his whole carried warm body was like a small fireball. 

 He thought about it seriously, and then, like a little rabbit wagging its tail and begging for pity, he said in a pitifully soft voice, "Pei-Gege, you are my good brother, Yi'er begs you, I beg you."

 Hearing this voice, Pei Zheng paused, and the numbness spread throughout his body.

 This little fool is not only physically attractive, but even his voice is first-class and pleasant to the ear. He is a bit brighter and more attractive than the most beautiful woman in the world. what a scene. He wondered what it would be like to listen to his soft voice begging for mercy between the bedsheets.

 Pei Zheng stopped and instructed Cheng Feng, the attendant behind him, "Take this token and go and rescue the little eunuch. If the Empress wants to blame someone, just push it on me."

 Qi Changyi listened, then said worriedly, "That,...not..."

 Knowing that he was worried that the Empress would punish him, Pei Zheng interrupted him and said directly, "Just do it."

 Then he departed.

 Pei Zheng's footsteps were getting faster and faster. Anyway, he has asked the Emperor to accept his appointment as the Prince's Tutor. It is understandable that he would enter and leave his Living Quarters during the day.

 After entering the Living Quarters, Pei Zheng instructed his servants to go summon the imperial doctor in his own name. He then put the little man in his arms on the bed with golden thread and rolling clouds bedsheets.

 As soon as Qi Changyi lay down on the cold bed, he consciously rolled and wrapped himself in the the quilt and kept trembling. 

 Pei Zheng looked at the curled little figure. His heart shrank, he simply took off his official uniform, sat on the edge of the bed, and hugged the little man in his arms.

 Qi Changyi squinted his eyes halfway. After founding the source of warmth, he rubbed against and climbed on Pei Zheng's warm body.

 Pei Zheng endured it, sweat dripping from his forehead, and ordered in a hoarse voice, "Come down."

 Qi Changyi hugged his waist, rubbed his little head around, and mumbled vaguely, "No, Pei-Gege is so hot, please help Yi'er warm up."

 He usually gets a little scared when he sees Pei Zheng, but now he is so confused that he dares to act like a spoiled child.

 Qi Changyi suddenly frowned and moved restlessly. Then opened his foggy eyes, looked up at Pei Zheng half aggrieved and said, "Pei-Gege, do you have a knife hidden on your body? "

***

Dianxia Qingcheng - Chapter 12

 Qi Changyi caught the cold that evening, and the high fever persisted overnight. Li Yu ordered someone to find an imperial doctor, but the Ninth Prince was not favored, and even the servants dared not take him seriously.

 The imperial physician has been summoned long time ago, but no one has come. There's nothing that people in the Living Quarters can do. 

 Li Yu could only take a damp cloth and wipe Qi Changyi's body little by little to reduce the heat.

 After struggling all night, Qi Changyi's body temperature gradually returned to normal.

 When he opened his eyes in confusion, the sky was already bright.

 The little man on the bed was haggard and looked like he was just recovering from a serious illness. His knees and wrists were still red and swollen, and he was very weak and in poor health.

 He struggled to get up, and Li Yu hurried over to help him up.

 "Your Highness, your body is still weak, where are you going now?"

 Qi Changyi swayed, "I, I have to pay respects to the Empress Mother."

 The time to greet her has long since passed. Thinking of the strictness of the Empress, Li Yu couldn't help but sweat for his master.

 Speaking of which, the Fourth and the Ninth Prince's biological mother have long since passed away. The Empress was kind-hearted and brought up the two small childs from childhood.

 It's just that the Fourth Prince has gradually grown into a dragon and phoenix, and he was outstanding and blessed.

 Bus as a failed Prince he (Qi Changyi) was sent to a corner of the palace and no one was paying attention to him. 

 When Qi Changyi hurried to the Empress' Living Quarters, he was stopped by the eldest maid at the door.

 The eldest maid took advantage of her power to bully others and said arrogantly, "Your Royal Highness, the time for greetings has passed, why did you come here?"

 Qi Changyi said softly, "Good sister, please let me go in and meet my Empress Mother ."

 The eldest maid pushed away Qi Changyi, who was about to come forward, "Your Highness, it's not that I don't want to let you in. The Empress has been feeling unwell recently and has already rested. It's really inconvenient to see you now."

 Qi Changyi couldn't stand still, and after being pushed back by her like this, he staggered backwards and almost fell over.

 Li Yu on the side couldn't stand it anymore, even a maid in the palace dared to do something to His Highness. He come over and slapped her with a palm of his hand.

 "You have some nerve! You dare to push the Prince, I think you don't want your hand anymore!"

 The eldest maid usually relied on the Empress' snobbery to scowl fiercely at people in various palaces. But now she was beaten by a small eunuch with no reputation, and she was unwilling to forgive him. 

 Seeing that the two sides would fight immediately, the door of the hall suddenly opened, and a majestic-looking wet nurse walked out and scolded, "You all stop! You didn't even look at where it is, your impudence will not be tolerated! The Empress has an order, all those who are making noise in front of the hall should be pulled down to be beaten and receive fifty strikes from a big planks. No mistakes! " 

 Several people suddenly quieted down, and the cry of the eldest maid rang out.

 Fifty large planks. If light, one will lie down for a few months. If hard one's life will be threatened.

 The guards pulled a few people to execute an order. Li Yu walked away without looking away, he only smiled at Qi Changyi's pale face. He had no brains, but everything what he did was always for His Highness.

 Qi Changyi was so anxious that he wanted to rush into the palace to beg the Empress, begg her to let Li Yu go. But from behind the closed doors the Empress did not see him and even sent someone to take him out of her Living Quarters. 

 Qi Changyi stood outside the door, clenched his fists, turned and ran away.

 He ran all the way to the hall outside of the Morning Court, where the Emperor and military Officials were attending.

 Qi Changyi ran in a hurry, feeling dizzy for a while and he knelt outside the hall. The slabs were cold and hard, and the old wound on his knees was aching, but for Li Yu, whose life was on the line, he had no other way.

 Fortunately, the Morning Court just ended, the door to the hall opened, and the officials inside walked out one after another.

 After seeing the Qi Changyi kneeling straight outside the hall, they were all stunned, then pointed at him and whispered.

 The last ones who came out were Zhao Litang and Pei Zheng.

 Just now, the two of them had a big quarrel in the Morning Court hall because of the barbarians in the southwest. In the end, the Emperor unsurprisingly listened to Pei Zheng's suggestion and asked the barbarians to send envoys to visit the Heavenly Dynasty to discuss the marriage in detail.

 After seeing Pei Zheng, Qi Changyi's eyes flashed with hope, but the one who hurried towards him was Zhao Litang who looked nervous.

 "Your Highness, what happened, why are you kneeling here?"

 After Qi Changyi finished emotionally narrating the matters, Zhao Litang looked at his pale face. Feeling heartache he stepped forward to help him up.

 "Don't worry, Your Highness, I can come forward to intercede on your behalf, and the Emperor will definitely let Eunuch Li Yu go."

 Qi Changyi nodded lightly, he was in a daze, as if his whole body was on fire again. And soon he saw that he was unable to stand.

 Before he could collapse, he fall into an embrace filled with a smell of sandalwood. 

 Pei Zheng stood behind him, his arms tightly gripped his waist. In the public, he confined the weak little man in his embrace.

 Zhao Litang's eyes were slightly red. He didn't dare to be close with Qi Changyi in front of so many people's eyes , but Pei Zheng actually dared to hug him directly!

 Then a cold and indifferent tone of the voice sounded, "General Zhao should pay more attention to the border when he has spare time. The Emperor ordered me to teach and guide the Prince. His matters are naturally for This Minister to worry about."

***

Dianxia Qingcheng - Chapter 11

 Qi Changyi's obviously flattering attitude not only didn't let Pei Zheng calm down, but even made him even more firm in his thoughts 

 All this is for Zhao Litang!

 Pei Zheng gripped the snow-white little hands moving on his body, and his tone was a little ridiculing, "What is Your Highness doing?"

 Qi Changyi was stunned and stood there foolishy, he, he just wanted to make Pei-Gege happy.

 " How come, that after this Wei Chen (1) didn't come for a few days, His Highness had difficulties with enduring the hunger, and he became like that? Or rather, the original nature of Your Highness is like this?"

 Pei Zheng stared into his eyes, "Then Wei Chen will help Your Highness to decrease the internal heat."

 He shouted loudly, "Li Yu."

 The little eunuch Li Yu quietly pushed the door and came in. Pei Zheng was still looking at Qi Changyi, and his words were extremely ice-cold, "Bring a bucket of cold water."

 Li Yu responded, and after a while, a bucket full of iced water was placed in the center of the Resting Hall.

 Pei Zheng ordered Qi Changyi, "Go and soak in it."

 Although the weather was starting to warm up, it was still a bit chilly at night. Qi Changyi shivered when he looked at the bucket full of cold water.

 " Pei-Gege..."

 Pei Zheng ignored his begging and looked at him coldly without saying a word.

 Qi Changyi bit his lip. He walked to the wooden barrel, and obediently stretched his feet and then sat in it. 

 The cold and bone-chilling iced water instantly eroded his four limbs and hundreds of bones. Qi Changyi's lips were pale. Holding his arms, his body kept shivering. 

 His long ink-colored hair was wet with water, and some strands sticked to his cheeks. The dripping water reflected his small face, which became more fair and tempting, like some kind of an bewitching evil spirit .

 Qi Changyi's body became more and more icy, but Pei Zheng, who was standing beside him, gradually became burning hot. 

 After the banquet, he talked a few words with the Fourth Prince Qi Changfeng, and then they parted on bad terms because of political disagreements. Now looking at this obedient and lovable little man in front of him, it gradually overlapped with Qi Changfeng's aggressive face.  

 He wants to conquer him, possess him, and ruthlessly trample his high dignity and prestige.

 Pei Zheng stepped forward and with his long arms grabbed Qi Changyi, who was drenched all over. He embraced and picked him up, and strode towards the bed in the inner hall.

 He throwed the dripping wet little man onto the bed. His white clothes tightly pressed against his body, revealing his enchanting and charming curves.

 Pei Zheng took advantage of him, pinched his chin and said, "Sure enough it is an alluring evil spirit."

 Qi Changyi shivered all over coldly, his teeth chattering uncontrollably.

 Pei Zheng's eyes became darker and darker, but he could only try his best to suppress the desire to peel off the white cloth.

 You can't touch him now, it will be useful in the future.

 Pei Zheng told himself desperately, and with all his might, he resisted the urge. Pulling over the thin golden quilt on the side, he extremely tightly (2) wrapped the person under him. And then he buried his head between his delicate and tender neck, opened his mouth and bit down.

 Qi Changyi gasped in pain, "Ssi", but his whole body was firmly suppressed and he couldn't move, so he could only beg him in a low voice, "Pei-Gege, it hurts so much, it hurts, ah..."

 Pei Zheng finally released his mouth. He was satisfied when he saw a circle of obvious tooth marks left on a piece of fair skin.

 "This time it's just a small punishment, Your Highness should remember it."

 He stood up, and then carefully arranged his robe and jade crown. Pei Zheng turned around and left without looking at the man on the bed.

 After Pei Zheng left, Li Yu tiptoed and opened the door of the Resting Hall. He must have come to confirm whether His Highness is safe and sound.

 But as soon as he saw the water stains in the house and Qi Changyi, who was trembling and lying on the bed with flushed cheeks, Li Yu knew, that how could His Highness come out unscathed.

***

____________________________

Notes:

(1)微臣 Wei chen

• this small official

• humble servant

(2) lit. With three layers inside and three layers outside

Dianxia Qingcheng - Chapter 10

 Qi Changyi's knees hurt even more. He was dragged energetically by Pei Zheng in front of him, so he could only expend a great deal of effort to catch up with him. 

 Pei Zheng was displeased with the little man behind him walking slowly. When he looked back and saw him limping, he asked loudly, "What happened to your legs?"

 Qi Changyi didn't want him to worry, and explained in a low voice, "It's nothing, it's just that I accidentally knocked against something hard with it."

 Pei Zheng snorted coldly, thinking that he was making a fuss, and said angrily, "If it's nothing then let's go quickly. Tomorrow's Morning Court can not be delayed."

 Then he continued to walk forward with quick steps, the strength of his hand wasn't reduced in the slightest amount. 

 After stepping into the Living Quarters where Qi Changyi lived, the two eunuchs at the door closed the door with their heads lowered, as if they were not surprised that Pei Zheng appeared here in the middle of the night.

 Stepping into the Resting Hall Li Yu and others were already waiting early. When they saw Pei Zheng, everyone in the Resting Hall hurriedly bowed and saluted.

 Pei Zheng raised his eyes indifferently, "You all withdraw."

 Everyone agreed and exited the door one by one.

 The Resting Hall suddenly became quiet.

 Pei Zheng released his hand. He walked straight to the desk in the hall and sat down, closing his eyes and pinching his eyebrows.

 Qi Changyi stood there, not knowing what to do. (1)He stretched out his hand and fumbled his wrist twice, where it was already full of red.

 Pei Zheng raised his eyelids and looked at the little man in front of him. Thinking of the scene just now, his teeth itched with anger. 

 "Still not coming here?" 

 It was an extremely cold tone of voice.

 Qi Changyi walked over cautiously, but he was moving a little crookedly. His knees were so unbearably and piercingly painful. He didn't dare to look at Pei Zheng, so he obediently walked over and stood still.

 Pei Zheng looked at him with dark eyes. He suddenly stretched out his hand and shoved him to the ground, Qi Changyi sprawled on the ground with his bottom part, gleaming with tears.

 Before he could react to what was going on, Pei Zheng's tall figure squatted down. His long and slender fingers lifted his outer trousers, revealing his fair lower legs.

 Pei Zheng pulled up his trousers again, and then his eyes turned cold.

 Qi Changyi's knees were red and swollen, forming a very strong contrast with the snow-white skin. There were still red blood streaks in several serious places, which looked a bit scary.

  "How did this happen ?"

 Qi Changyi shrank his leg back, trying to cover the injury, but Pei Zheng grabbed his ankle.

 "Tell me, how did it happen?"

 His tone was a little impatient.

 This is not the first time that he found scars on Qi Changyi's body that he didn't know about. This little fool lives in this eating-people harem only by himself. If he didn't protect him openly and secretly on normal days, he was afraid that he wouldn't even know how he died.

 Qi Changyi was frightened by Pei Zheng's fierce eyes, and his language was a little awkward, "I, I hit it myself, just at the banquet, it's fine, it doesn't hurt at all, really, Pei-Gege, don't be angry……"

 He is not afraid of pain or being hurt, but he is most afraid of Pei Zheng being angry with himself.

 Pei Zheng snorted coldly and pressed his fingers hard on his wound. Qi Changyi gasped abruptly, his eyes watery.

     "Ah!"

 "Didn't you say it doesn't hurt?" Pei Zheng retracted his fingers and stood up, looking down at Qi Changyi, "When will Your Highness's defect of mouth saying yes and heart saying no, will be corrected? (2) Don't tell me that it is also like this in front of General Zhao?"

 Qi Changyi opened his mouth but he didn't know how he should answer. He could see Pei Zheng's anger, and just wanted to follow along with his heart wishes to help him calm down. 

 Thinking of what Pei Zheng did when he came to his Living Quarters at night, Qi Changyi stood up with a great effort. He slowly moved closer to him, and stretched out his fair, delicate, and tender hand.

 Pei Zheng felt those as soft, as if boneless hands, and took a few deep breaths. The hands moved with no method, and he only knew how to move back and forth at random and mess around. But it still made Pei Zheng's body tighten, and the blood all over his body surged up violently.

***

____________________________

Notes:

(1)不知所措 (idiom) 

-not knowing what to do

-at one's wits' end

-embarrassed and at a complete loss

(2)口是心非 (idiom) 

*mouth says yes, and heart no

-to say one thing but mean another

-what one thinks is different from what one says

-two-faced 

-duplicity

~~~~~~~~

Resting Hall = big hall with bedroom / hall in which one rests/sleeps