Chapter 125
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Pei Jin’s eyes flickered, “I just felt that since I had already failed, engaging in these petty actions would be meaningless. It would make me look like I couldn’t accept defeat.”
“Well, you’re impressive, I admire that!” Lin Qingyang chuckled. He genuinely appreciated Pei Jin, not in a romantic way, but for Pei Jin’s determination as a woman in ancient times, competing in the political struggles of the palace with numerous men determined not to lose to anyone.
However, Pei Jin took it as a sarcastic comment. For some reason, a surge of emotions overcame her. She raised her bamboo cane as if to strike him.
Thinking it was all in good fun, Lin Qingyang took a step back. The bamboo cane swung down to the ground, and suddenly there was a cracking sound.
Pei Jin, losing her balance, began to fall forward. Lin Qingyang hurriedly ran forward and managed to grab the back of Pei Jin’s clothes, saying, “Hey, quickly stand up.”
Both of them were in awkward positions. If Lin Qingyang were to help, it seemed like he would have to lift Pei Jin up. However, Pei Jin wasn’t having issues with her legs; instead, she was clutching her stomach, trembling all over.
Thinking something was wrong, Lin Qingyang was about to ask when suddenly his eyes widened. A peculiar shade of red appeared beneath Pei Jin’s robe.
Lin Qingyang’s face instantly turned red.
Just as he was about to warn Pei Jin, voices came from the corridor. It seemed like a considerable number of people were approaching.
Pei Jin hadn’t realized what was happening, but Lin Qingyang knew this was going to be a problem. If someone saw them in such an indiscreet position, especially considering the unmistakable situation underneath Pei Jin’s robe, it would be a disaster.
Seeing the glow of the fire casting shadows, Lin Qingyang couldn’t think of any other solution. His brain heated up, and he directly lifted Pei Jin horizontally.
“Ah! Have you gone mad?” Pei Jin, already in pain from her abdomen and legs, couldn’t resist. She was scared and let out a cry.
“That’s coming out. There are bloodstains behind you. Don’t move. I’ll carry you back, and they won’t see anything.” Lin Qingyang spoke quickly. By this time, the people, alerted by the scream, had already stepped in. It was Wang Tong’en and the others.
Pei Jin was now pale, stiffened, and dared not move. She instinctively clutched Lin Qingyang’s clothes, seemingly relying on him at this moment.
Lin Qingyang chose to ignore Wang Tong’en and the others, carrying Pei Jin and heading back to her courtyard.
“Hey!” Wang Tong’en couldn’t help but shout.
“His legs can’t walk; I’m just kindly sending someone.” Lin Qingyang threw down a sentence from a distance and kept walking.
“What’s going on?” Wang Tong’en asked the people behind him. “After today’s events, they should be sworn enemies, right?”
“I heard Pei Jin scream a moment ago, and then he went silent. He probably didn’t want to be sent away or was threatened.”
“What? Lin Qingyang threatened Pei Jin? How is that possible?” Wang Tong’en didn’t believe it.
“The affairs in the palace are unpredictable. Look at Lin Qingyang’s performance today; it’s quite bold, isn’t it? Hehe… Don’t forget that Lin Qingyang likes men, and Pei Jin looks so delicate. Carrying Pei Jin like that, and Pei Jin not resisting, who knows if he has found some leverage? It might have some implications, you know? All is fair in love and war…”
“You are the most gossipy one.” Wang Tong’en felt disgusted.
“Boss, you can’t be so skeptical. Men carrying and hugging each other like that, especially Lin Qingyang, you think it’s normal?”
Wang Tong’en was stunned, feeling convinced. If he were in Lin Qingyang’s shoes, even if he wanted to help by supporting or assisting, hugging like that, just like hugging a woman, would be unacceptable.
Seeing Wang Tong’en still skeptical, the other two companions instigated, “Let’s make a bet, let’s go together and see. What if…”
Wang Tong’en thought for a moment, and indeed, he was curious. So he decided to go to Pei Jin’s courtyard to take a look, using the excuse of visiting a fellow study companion.
After a brief discussion, the three gradually walked up the path leading to Pei Jin’s courtyard. Upon reaching Pei Jin’s courtyard, they not only didn’t encounter Lin Qingyang, who should have returned after sending someone off, but surprisingly, even the door was closed.
The three exchanged glances, their expressions full of excitement. Their gossip-loving souls were ignited, so they quickly gathered under the eaves to see if they could hear what was happening inside. Wang Tong’en’s face showed a strange look, thinking that it couldn’t really be what they were imagining. After all, Pei Jin was supposed to be of equal status to them as the next generation heads of their respective families, so how did it turn into a romantic involvement?
Suddenly, a painful cry echoed, startling the eavesdropping trio. Following that, they heard Pei Jin lowly growl, “Lin Qingyang, can’t you be gentler? It hurts!”
“Shut up! Aren’t you afraid of others finding out? I’m the one who should be worried!”
“What are you afraid of?! Don’t move… Don’t move, let me take a break, it hurts too much.”
“You’re making it really hard for me. I can’t hold on any longer, I need to move.”
“Are you still a man?!”
“I swear, I’m more of a man than you!”
“No… No! It hurts!”
“Tsk! Turn around and lie down! It might be better this way.”
“You need to be gentler!”
“I’m already being gentle. Are you in or not?”
“Give me a moment to adjust.”
“If we wait any longer, you might be swimming in blood, and it’ll be hard to explain.”
“How can you say such things!”
“Then, are you going to let go of me?”
“You think I’m willing? Okay, let’s get this over with quickly!”
“Then I’ll make a move!”
“Go ahead.”
Bang! A loud noise erupted, and Lin Qingyang and Pei Jin reacted quickly. Pei Jin rolled into the bed, while Lin Qingyang lifted the covers to shield Pei Jin, looking bewildered at the doorway.
Both doors had fallen to the ground, and along with the doors came the group led by Wang Tong’en, who had fallen to the ground. One person among them was even bleeding from the nose.
“You guys…” Lin Qingyang was stunned, about to reprimand them for eavesdropping, and desperately trying to recall if he had inadvertently revealed that Pei Jin was a woman during their conversation.
However, at that moment, Wang Tong’en and his two companions first stared dumbfoundedly at them for a while, then turned back and looked simultaneously toward the entrance.
Obviously, there was someone else outside the door.
Lin Qingyang’s heart skipped a beat, a sudden sense of foreboding overwhelming him.
As moonlight illuminated the dark figure, a robust and imposing man stepped in with a broad stride.
……
Not long ago, when Wang Tong’en and the others were about to sneak a look, Chu Lishu, wearing a stern expression, emerged from around the corner and followed them.
Upon leaving his own courtyard, he saw Lin Qingyang holding Pei Jin, who leaned into his arms, walking past him. Later, he overheard the nonsensical remarks made by Wang Tong’en and his friends. He knew that there must be a special reason for Lin Qingyang to hold Pei Jin like that. Lin Qingyang often made such careless mistakes, seemingly forgetting that he was a broken-sleeve person, and that even among same-sex interactions, one should be cautious not to raise suspicion.
Oh well, no need to get angry. Lin Qingyang was probably acting without reservation due to a clear conscience. Chu Lishu didn’t need to dwell on it; he would just call Lin Qingyang back, remind him, and advise against such behavior in the future.
As Wang Tong’en and his friends focused entirely on what was happening inside the room, Chu Lishu silently stood behind them. Soon, he began to overhear the increasingly bizarre conversation, and for a moment, Chu Lishu couldn’t comprehend what was going on.
They could hear the three people in front whispering.
“Oh my God, are they really doing that? Lin Qingyang is too bold, even pressing Pei Jin down?”
“It doesn’t sound like coercion; it seems like both sides agreed to it!”
“Lin Qingyang is quite skilled, changing positions so quickly?”
“Lin Qingyang is incredible, actually playing until there’s blood…”
“Hey, why are you having a nosebleed!”
“Aren’t you uncomfortable listening to this conversation?”
“That’s between men, and it’s disgusting!”
“Why are you so enthusiastic listening to it?! You’re all squatting at the door crack!”
“Curiosity killed the cat!”
As the three were getting excited about their discussion, suddenly a pair of embroidered boots, carrying a fierce killing intent, soared through the air. It kicked open the door, and the three of them lost their balance, falling down with the door.
Inside, Lin Qingyang was completely caught off guard. Who would have thought that eavesdropping at the wall was still a thing nowadays? Wang Tong’en and his friends were truly abnormal.
However, when he saw Chu Lishu appearing with a face full of killing intent, his legs instantly went weak, and he sat down on the bed.
Why is it happening again? What’s with this long-lost atmosphere? Is the male lead angry? It seems like he is, his expression is off!
They have a relationship where they can cause trouble together. It’s impossible for him to think that there’s any connection between him and the Third Prince’s faction at this point. The male lead should understand him.
Could it be that he accidentally revealed something about Pei Jin’s identity just now? But as he carefully recalled, there was nothing like that! Their conversation was all normal!
However, the male lead is very clever, and he might have discovered something that he himself hadn’t thought of. Maybe he followed them because he found something.
The current expression on the male lead’s face, could it be that he’s blaming him for concealing something? But he concealed it initially to avoid disrupting the subsequent plot and making the male lead’s path of revenge more difficult. Of course, there’s also some sympathy for Pei Jin, but the main concern is still the male lead’s future and his own mission.
After pondering for a while, Lin Qingyang couldn’t come up with a reasonable explanation. With a trembling voice, he was about to say something when Chu Lishu’s hand suddenly flashed with a cold light. A sharp blade slipped from his sleeve into his palm. Others didn’t notice it, but Lin Qingyang, who was focused on Chu Lishu, saw it instantly.
“Wait!” Lin Qingyang immediately stood up, feeling the long-lost sensation of being caught doing something. Not again!
The treatment for an Intermediate Tool Man is just like this! Just like this!
Just when Lin Qingyang thought Chu Lishu would do something impulsive, Chu Lishu, however, froze in place, not moving.
Suddenly, a thoughtless voice sounded, “Why are you still wearing clothes?”
Lin Qingyang was stunned.
Wang Tong’en stood up, looking awkward, “Sorry, this was an accident. You continue, we won’t disturb you. Hurry, hurry, hurry!”
Lin Qingyang instantly reacted, a terrified expression covering his face, and he rushed directly in front of Chu Lishu.
“You misunderstood. Didn’t I just explain? I was just bringing Pei Jin back. Don’t make wild assumptions.” Lin Qingyang hurriedly explained, looking at Chu Lishu, who had murky but sharp eyes.
Oh no, could he be misunderstood again, as if there’s something between me and Pei Jin?!
It seemed like he had been at odds with the male lead for quite a while due to the misunderstanding involving Pei Jin.
“We didn’t make wild assumptions. We just overheard a bit. Don’t worry, we’re not interested in spreading rumors about such things.” Wang Tong’en waved his hand.
Thinking about the misunderstanding from their perspective, Lin Qingyang’s face turned green.
In fact, when Lin Qingyang brought Pei Jin back, he was about to put her down unceremoniously. However, Pei Jin spasmed in pain, screamed, and refused to change her posture. Lin Qingyang had to maintain the posture of putting her down for that moment. He ended up arching his back, bending his waist, and still had to hold Pei Jin with his hands. Regardless of his physical stamina, he couldn’t endure this posture. To make matters worse, the irritable Pei Jin scolded him. If it weren’t for the fact that he saw her as a girl and she was in a special period, he would have wanted to drop her and run away.
Since lying down was painful, why not lie face down? However, Pei Jin didn’t even want to move. Lin Qingyang tried to force her to let go, but she tightly clamped her arm around his neck, as if attempting to strangle him when he didn’t listen. Lin Qingyang had no choice but to banter with Pei Jin, without any sympathy. He never expected that the conversation, from a different perspective, would be so suggestive. It was truly a case of being wrongly accused.
Hastily grabbing Chu Lishu’s arm, Lin Qingyang explained, “There’s just a misunderstanding in the conversation. You guys didn’t see it with your own eyes. Pei Jin pulled me down when I put her down just now. I was just cooperating with her out of kindness and compassion for a moment. It’s not at all like what you guys are imagining.” Lin Qingyang glared at Wang Tong’en and the others as he spoke.
Wang Tong’en forced a laugh, saying, “It’s precisely because we didn’t see anything that everything is possible, right? It’s not a big deal. Why are you so nervous? The more nervous you are, the more guilty you seem.”
Lin Qingyang almost punched him. It was all Wang Tong’en’s fault. If he hadn’t suddenly appeared, things wouldn’t have escalated to this point.
“Wang Tong’en, have you gone mad? This is the palace. Are you trying to get us killed? Even if Lin Qingyang, this fool, could do such a thing, I couldn’t. Have you forgotten that you and Cheng Yi are watching closely? Do I want to leave such a handle for you guys? Besides, I am the young master of the Pei family. Who dares to humiliate me? Are you seeking death? It’s true that Lin Qingyang helped me out just now. Even if we have some hostility in certain aspects, is there a need to stand by and watch me die?” Suddenly, Pei Jin’s cold voice came from the bed. “Moreover, I want to make it clear that I am not a broken sleeve!”
Well, even though Pei Jin’s explanation contained a lot of words that could make Lin Qingyang want to vomit blood, looking at the gradually changing expressions of Wang Tong’en and the others, it seemed that Pei Jin’s words were more convincing than his own explanation.
Without giving them a chance to think further, Pei Jin continued, “I knelt for three hours today, and I can’t move now. I won’t entertain you. Please… leave!”
Wang Tong’en rubbed his nose, glanced sideways at Lin Qingyang and Chu Lishu, then turned and left with his people.
Lin Qingyang was about to awkwardly make a joke to ease the atmosphere when Chu Lishu turned and walked away.
Lin Qingyang had to hurriedly catch up.
With a thick-skinned face, he said, “You won’t be like them, right, cousin? You’re so clever; you surely won’t misunderstand. Am I right?”
Lin Qingyang ran after him, trying to catch up, but couldn’t keep pace with Chu Lishu’s speed.
Until they reached Chu Lishu’s courtyard, Lin Qingyang wanted to follow him inside to explain, but the door was abruptly closed in his face, leaving him with a dusty nose.
Lin Qingyang covered his throbbing nose, leaning against the closed door with a sense of helplessness. “Cousin, you don’t really misunderstand, do you? Is our trust reduced to this?”
After saying these words, Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Why was it still so easy for Chu Lishu not to trust him?
Inside the room, Chu Lishu sat cross-legged on the couch, exhaling deeply. The momentary loss of control had left him feeling a bit out of sorts. He shouldn’t have let his emotions get the better of him. However, in that moment, as he listened to the conversation, images flashed in his mind, and a thought emerged. Perhaps the reason Lin Qingyang had been distant lately was related to this. Maybe accompanying him in suppressing the Third Prince’s faction was Lin Qingyang’s way of trying to gain control over Pei Jin.
Even if it was unreasonable, even if he could distinguish everything very well, that momentary overthinking had broken through some kind of limit. His emotions were already prone to losing control within the palace due to the immense pressure, and because Lin Qingyang was by his side, he had to keep himself in check.
However, this time it suddenly broke through, plunging his mind into a blank state once again.
Fortunately, it was still within a manageable range. He retained a trace of clarity and forcefully brought back a bit of reason, or else he might have ended up harming Lin Qingyang and Pei Jin.
Without internal energy, he could only slowly dissipate the current state of his body. However, his head remained in a state of confusion, entering into a disorderly mental state. Now he needed to focus on dealing with that void of nothingness. He didn’t want to lose his rational consciousness; he didn’t want to… harm Lin Qingyang or see fear in his eyes.
After an unknown amount of time passed, Lin Qingyang got tired of waiting. Chu Lishu didn’t come out. The lights remained on, but there was no response.
Lin Qingyang was somewhat annoyed. He felt that their relationship shouldn’t be so superficial, and Chu Lishu shouldn’t get angry so easily. Indeed, the thought process of the male lead was different from ordinary people, making it really difficult to understand his thoughts.
After being angry for a while and then feeling dejected for another while, Lin Qingyang finally stood up. Today had been emotionally exhausting, and he was tired. If not for that, he wouldn’t have thought about returning early to rest.
Lin Qingyang was genuinely tired by now, but he didn’t want to leave. Instead, he decided to wait at the door. He wanted to see when Chu Lishu would come out. Once he did, Lin Qingyang planned to resolve the issue immediately. After all, every time they had a conflict, it eventually got resolved. Thinking about it, the male lead was quite good. Even if he liked to get angry, he would eventually compromise. In the end, he was quite easy to talk to.
Lin Qingyang thought for a moment, then burst into laughter. Eventually, he fell asleep leaning against the door.
At some point, the door moved, and Lin Qingyang slid down along the door crack. However, in the next second, he was caught by a hand.
A possessive gaze enveloped him like a net, full of desire and dominance.
It was the predatory gaze of a hunter fixated on its prey, exuding a wild and primal intensity.
Lin Qingyang seemed to instinctively sense danger. He furrowed his brows, about to wake up. If he woke up, he would surely see those crimson eyes and the somewhat abnormal expression.
With lips that were thin yet carried a hint of alluring charm, they slightly parted, and the corners of the mouth seemed to curve seductively. The other hand released the glinting blade, causing a commotion as it hit the ground. This sudden noise hastened the awakening of the person who was about to regain consciousness. Suddenly, the hand that had let go of the blade reached up and grabbed the back of Lin Qingyang’s neck. With a slight force, Lin Qingyang immediately lost consciousness, falling into an unconscious state.
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Why do I think Qingyang and Pei Jin is match made from heaven? Their interaction just naturally, effortlessly cute and romantic. I really like their dynamics.
Hoping that pei jin and qinyang can at least share one kiss. They’re so cute together haha.. Lishu’s growing obsession is so thrilling to read i swear