Chapter 17
“Why are you here?” Shangguan Ye cut straight to the point, his icy gaze piercing through Le Yin.
Le Yin paused. He had grown accustomed to Shangguan Ye’s cold demeanor, even during their most intimate moments, where he remained as frigid as ice. But today, this habit felt different. He couldn’t help but think of the prince’s gentleness towards that man earlier, even if he suspected it was all an act. Jealousy gnawed at him like a venomous snake, while greed filled his veins. He craved even a feigned smile from Shangguan Ye.
“Your Highness, Le Yin is merely traveling through,” he replied, the initial joy he felt now seeming like mere wishful thinking.
Shangguan Ye’s expression remained unreadable, though his eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded the bewitching figure before him. Dressed in fiery red, with a face as handsome as a jade and a body as graceful as a flower stem, Le Yin was indeed his most satisfying bed companion—but that was all he was.
Comparing him to Murong Qiufeng, Shangguan Ye couldn’t help but find Le Yin lacking. Murong Qiufeng’s brilliance outshone him completely. As he thought more, a wave of annoyance washed over him; Le Yin seemed more like a common courtesan. His voice grew colder and more impatient, “Le Yin, do not test my patience.”
Le Yin’s face changed, but then he sighed softly, looking up at Shangguan Ye with eyes full of deep emotion and sorrow, “Your Highness, Le Yin just missed you. I intended only to see you from afar, but it seems today’s meeting was fate. Please, forgive me for any disturbance.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than a strong hand clamped around his neck. The calluses on that hand scraped painfully against his tender skin, and the grip chilled him to the core. Fear surged as he realized Shangguan Ye might actually snap his neck. “Your… Your Highness…” He dared not struggle, only gazing pleadingly at the cold, merciless face above him.
“Le Yin, drop your petty schemes if you value your life. This is your first warning and your last chance. Without my order, do not appear before me again. Now, leave.” With that, Shangguan Ye flung him aside, a look of disdain flashing in his eyes.
Indeed, people should not be compared. Once he measured Le Yin against Murong Qiufeng, his former companion seemed as unappealing as a common prostitute. Yet, Le Yin was born in a brothel, sold into it as a child. His beauty and musical talent had made him famous, and eventually, he had been presented to Shangguan Ye, becoming his favored attendant through careful scheming.
Le Yin stumbled as he was thrown, barely keeping his balance. Holding his neck, he suppressed a cough, his face pale. A flash of resentment and unwillingness crossed his eyes, but he hid it well. Shangguan Ye’s words were clear, but Le Yin believed that as long as he stayed close, he would eventually become indispensable. Someday, Shangguan Ye would be his alone.
Composing himself, he nodded obediently, “Yes, Your Highness, I understand.”
Shangguan Ye gave him a dismissive look before turning towards the bed, ignoring him.
Le Yin didn’t leave immediately but followed, intending to help him undress.
Shangguan Ye whipped around, eyes sharp as blades, “Leave.”
“Your Highness, I only wish to serve you before bed,” Le Yin said, his tone laced with a hint of seduction and shyness.
Though such service was routine, today Shangguan Ye rejected him outright, “No need. Leave.”
Le Yin’s face turned pale with shock. Shangguan Ye had never refused his advances before. Still, he dared not disobey, biting his lip as he bowed and left, “Then, Your Highness, please rest well.”
The room fell silent, still tinged with Le Yin’s lingering musk. What once seemed a pleasant scent now felt cloying. Shangguan Ye waved his hand, dispersing the odor, and looked at the hand that had touched Murong Qiufeng. A strange sensation spread through him. Every moment with Murong Qiufeng was new and intoxicating. He never imagined he would care so deeply for someone, yet this madness brought him satisfaction.
His lips curled into a soft smile as he recalled Murong Qiufeng’s every action and the warmth he felt today. Determination and a sense of inevitability shone in his eyes. What began as a hunter’s interest had turned into genuine affection.
“What, the wedding is set for the end of the month?” A few days later, upon hearing the hastily set wedding date, the already fragile Murong Qiuyun nearly fainted from the shock.
