chapter 20

Xian Sheng’s expression was indifferent. “No.”

Zhan Lue scanned him from top to bottom. He tilted his head slightly, trying to see if there was a curvature at his chest, yet the only thing that entered his eyes was Xian Sheng’s beautiful face.

He asked, “Is there something you want to say?”

Xian Sheng paused and replied firmly, “You don’t know how Qing Rong injured herself.”

“You noticed?”

“If you truly knew, you wouldn’t have let the Empress Dowager settle the matter.”

As Zhan Lue massaged his bruise, he looked at Xian Sheng meaningfully, “You are starting to understand me more.”

Xian Sheng glared at him.

Zhan Lue could not help but break into a laugh. He said gently, “I’m just certain that she did not do it for Zhan Yin.”

“Why?”

“If Qin Yi wanted to hurt Zhan Yin, he would not simply break her hand. Furthermore, Zhan Yin is a very frank and direct person. She has often offended Qing Rong. Qing Rong is not the type of person who will repay her grievances with gratitude.”

Xian Sheng did not understand. “But you guys are quite close to each other.”

“The Royal Brothers have a good relationship. But those are all appearances.”

Zhan Lue pressed his palm gently on Xian Sheng’s bruise, the warmth of his palms gradually dissipating the pain. He asked, “Does it still hurt?”

“It’s much better now.” Xian Sheng reached out his arm and rolled down the hem of his pants. He could not help but ask, “Regarding the issue with Qin Yi… Do you really think that it has nothing to do with me?”

“When have I ever said that?”

Xian Sheng’s heart dropped. Zhan Lue’s arms have already planted themselves by Xian Sheng’s side, a dangerous glint creeping into his gaze. “You are the most suspicious one in this matter.”

Xian Sheng immediately felt angry and asked, “Then why don’t you lock me up?”

“How is merely locking you up enough? I want to torture you and force you to admit the truth.”

His eyes locked with Zhan Lue’s. Under his dark gaze, Xian Sheng’s heart trembled and his face turned pale. “If so… why haven’t you acted?”

Zhan Lue looked at him for a while before laughing, his eyes gentle and pampering. Leaning over, he kissed Xian Sheng’s lips, only letting go after Xian Sheng started to become breathless. Zhan Lue rested his nose against Xian Sheng’s and said softly, “I’ll lock you up in the Crown Prince’s Palace and I will watch over you personally. I’ll torment you by kissing, hugging and touching you… After your body has recovered, I’ll take your virginity and you can give me a daughter who is as beautiful as you. Won’t that be great?”

Xiang Sheng’s face immediately flushed. Reaching his arms out, he pushed him away. “You…”

On the one hand, he felt that he was being teased. Yet, on the other, he felt humiliated. Thinking about it again, he thought that Zhan Lue was being ridiculous. He was, in all reality, a man—Zhan Lue will never achieve the last two ‘torments’ in his lifetime.

Zhan Lue was barely pushed away by Xiang Sheng. He bent down and kissed him again, forcing Xian Sheng to lean backwards, whose hands eventually gave way, causing him to fall onto the blankets. Lifting his knees up to block Zhan Lue, he suddenly felt a searing pain and became angry. “This is Mother’s bedroom. How can you be so indecent?”

Zhan Lue paused, distanced himself and got up. He said, “Never mind then. Rest well for now. I’ll come and call you when the meal’s ready.”

Xian Sheng could not wish for anything more. Taking the opportunity, he hid into the bed and pulled the blankets over his head.

Looking thoughtful, Zhan Lue spun around and left for the kitchen where the Empress was in.

Empress Xin had already lifted the sleeves of her gown to cook. Upon seeing him, she raised her eyebrows. “Why? Are you here to help your Mother?”

“I have something to consult you about.”

Empress Xin passed the spatula to Grandmother Dou, before being dragged aside by Zhan Lue to the flower pots. She said unhappily, “I knew it. For you to suddenly be so filial and accompany me, you must have something to ask from me.”

“How is that possible? I’m also very…”

“Don’t try to coax me. Spill,” interrupted Empress Xin. Without beating around the bush, Zhan Lue said, “I heard from Third Royal Brother that there is a secret pastry in the palace which can… make a skinny woman become…” He tried to think of a suitable word. “Slightly, better-looking?”

Empress Xin understood immediately. “The Jade Goddess Breast Enlarging Pastry?”

Zhan Lue snapped his fingers. With a relieved expression, he saluted her and said, “Mother is wise indeed.”