Fei Pin Ying Qiang

Chapter 20- Haze

Qi Yunruo's mind went blank. He looked to Li Chen, yet Li Chen did not return his stare, merely turning around and leaving for his study. Qi Yunruo then shifted his gaze to Su Ge. After a long time did he finally find his voice. "Eunuch Su Ge, have I done something wrong?"

Su Ge smiled. "This is a good thing, so why is Young Master saying such words?"　　

Qi Yunruo rose to his feet, feeling at a loss. "Then... What, what should I do?"　

Once more did a smile grace Su Ge's lips. He called a few maidservants over. "Carefully attend to Young Master Little Qi."

Before making his way to Ink Lotus Courtyard, Qi Yunruo had already bathed. Still, he let the maidservants remove his clothes without a word. He had decided a while ago to mimic others in currying favor with the prince. From Li Chen's expression, Qi Yunruo could discern many things. Li Chen liked when he had a great appetite, liked when he asked him for things, liked when he talked to him. The prince should be fond of him a good amount. 　　

Sometimes, Qi Yunruo found himself contemptible. Sometimes, he felt like he had no other alternatives. He only wanted to live well. Having lost his place in Count Ziyang's estate a long time ago, he only wanted to forge a path for himself at Prince Chun's estate.

Li Chen's expression was dark. The battle at the border had been lost. Yet, his Imperial Father delayed in choosing a new general. Only relying on Si De was not enough. Although they had nearby troops to support them, it wouldn't be enough to advance in attack. 　　

And then there was... Qi Yunruo. So he actually couldn't tell Li Chen his true feelings. He could see his unwillingness. His heart hid his thoughts, hid them from Li Chen...

Unhappiness flared in the pit of his stomach.

He recalled the time when Qi Niqun had still been pregnant and had instructed Qi Yunruo to attend to himself. And Qi Yunruo had cried. It made Li Chen's heart clench. He didn't want to wrong him. But now, he couldn't control himself anymore. 　　

Li Chen did not find his preference for men taboo. Like how Prince Jing liked to collect calligraphy, Prince Qing was fond of archery and good steeds, and his fourth brother fancied admiring flowers, Li Chen liked elegant and lively men.

Like Ji Huan. But compared to indulging in the matters of the flesh, Li Chen preferred to chat with him. Ji Huan was tall and slender. Refined and tasteful. Li Chen felt comfortable and content keeping such people around. Then, when Ji Huan was to leave, Little Qi arrived.

Compared to Ji Huan whose thoughts lay heavy, Little Qi was as simple as paper. Li Chen truly desired to conquer him. He desired to keep him by his side. Unfortunately, he could not bear to do so. He looked at Little Qi, and it felt as if he were looking at a child. Pure and pitiful.

Li Chen disliked not knowing all that lay within Little Qi's mind. He did not want him to become like the other women in the inner courtyard with deep and unfathomable thoughts, where during the time in which the two lay silently in bed, Li Chen would be struck with terror.　　

.....

A long while had passed with Li Chen in his study. After discussing some matters with his advisers, he took his time returning to his chambers. The moment he had arrived at the entrance, he was struck by shock, recalling the events of the afternoon.

As he pushed the door open, he noticed that the net-curtains of his bed had been let down. Li Chen hesitated. Went to the side room to bathe. Once he had returned, he found the curtains in the same position. It was cold during the month of February. The heavy net-curtains hid what lay within, totally opaque.