Chapter 23
“Your Highness.” The sudden appearance of Shangguan Ye startled the butler, who hurried over. Seeing the man in Shangguan Ye’s arms, a look of understanding flashed in his eyes, though he was curious about the man’s identity. Apart from Murong Qiufeng, the prince never brought any men back to the mansion on his own initiative.
“Prepare some clean clothes and a hangover remedy,” Shangguan Ye ordered casually. He then carried the clearly sleeping Murong Qiufeng in his arms, not wanting anyone else to see him, and strode directly into his room.
The butler raised his eyebrows in surprise. Seeing the prince bring someone back was curious enough, but taking him into his private quarters was shocking. Everyone knew that the prince hated anyone entering his private space, especially his study and bedroom.
Once inside, Shangguan Ye gently placed Murong Qiufeng on the bed. Looking at his angelic, sleeping face, Shangguan Ye couldn’t resist pinching his flushed cheek and then stroking it, finding the touch delightful. His eyes wandered over Murong Qiufeng’s body, the clothes outlining his slender figure and narrow waist, recalling the sensation of holding him. The suppressed heat in his body surged again.
Shangguan Ye shook his head with a wry smile, sighing as he looked at the sleeping man. He wanted to devour this innocent lamb but knew the time wasn’t right.
He stood, took a deep breath to quell his desire, and began to undress Murong Qiufeng. Seeing his defenseless, sweet sleeping face, Shangguan Ye’s annoyance flared. So he lied about having poor drunken behavior? How could someone so obedient while drunk be said to have poor conduct?
A soft knock came at the door, and the butler announced, “Your Highness, the clothes are ready.”
“Leave them on the table,” Shangguan Ye replied coolly.
The old butler complied, placing the tray on the table and quickly leaving, understanding what he should and shouldn’t see.
Shangguan Ye had already removed Murong Qiufeng’s outer robe, revealing his white inner garments. He walked over to get the hangover remedy and gently patted Murong Qiufeng’s face. “Wake up and drink this before you sleep. Otherwise, you’ll have a headache tomorrow.”
Murong Qiufeng merely murmured, swatting Shangguan Ye’s hand away and turning over to continue sleeping.
Shangguan Ye couldn’t help but feel his heart melt at the adorable, childlike behavior. He pinched Murong Qiufeng’s cheek again, chuckling softly, “Be good and drink this, or I’ll have to feed you myself.”
Anyone who knew Shangguan Ye would be shocked to see him like this, speaking in such a gentle, playful tone.
Murong Qiufeng pushed Shangguan Ye’s hand away again, frowning, “Go away.”
The soft, slightly spoiled voice made Shangguan Ye’s heart itch. Like a little lazy cat, Murong Qiufeng’s drunk state was unexpectedly cute. If this was his idea of bad drunken behavior, Shangguan Ye wouldn’t mind tempting him to drink every day.
He couldn’t resist scratching Murong Qiufeng’s chin gently, treating him like a pet cat.
Murong Qiufeng’s chin lifted slightly, a soft hum escaping his lips, as if both comfortable and uncomfortable. Slowly, he opened his eyes, the misty gaze clear as spring water.
He seemed to be pondering something, staring blankly ahead. If not for his dazed eyes, one wouldn’t guess he was drunk.
Shangguan Ye found this intriguing, watching silently to see what he would do next.
Murong Qiufeng thought for a moment, then muttered, “Hot.” His voice was a mix of complaint and plea for help, his eyes unfocused.
Shangguan Ye raised an eyebrow, looking at his flushed face, the faint blush on his neck, and the glimpse of collarbone like white jade under his collar.
He couldn’t resist touching the delicate collarbone with his finger.
Murong Qiufeng shifted slightly, a contented purr escaping his throat, and he grabbed Shangguan Ye’s hand.
Startled, Shangguan Ye thought Murong Qiufeng had sobered up. But Murong Qiufeng merely cuddled his hand against his cheek, purring like a cat, making Shangguan Ye’s suppressed desire flare up again.
Quickly, Shangguan Ye withdrew his hand.
Murong Qiufeng pouted, dissatisfied, and pushed his hand away, then rubbed against the silk sheets, pulling at his clothes to expose more skin to the cool air.
Feeling rejected, Shangguan Ye watched Murong Qiufeng’s unconscious seductive actions, his breath catching. Realizing the alcohol was affecting him, he decided to take action. He pulled Murong Qiufeng up, holding him tightly, and brought the bowl to his lips. “Drink this, and you won’t feel hot anymore.” If this continued, he feared he might lose control.
Murong Qiufeng, pulled from the cool comfort, began to struggle angrily, pushing Shangguan Ye away, “Go away, hot.”
Murong Qiufeng, even drunk, had significant strength due to his martial arts training. Shangguan Ye struggled to restrain him with one hand, the hangover remedy spilling. Irritated, Shangguan Ye warned, “If you don’t drink this, I’ll force it down your throat.”
“Hot, hot…” Murong Qiufeng struggled harder, not comprehending Shangguan Ye’s words, his body rejecting the heat radiating from Shangguan Ye.