Chapter 84
“You’re…” Murong Qiufeng was a little speechless as he was swiftly carried back to the palace by Shangguan Ye using light body skills.
Shangguan Ye dragged him into the room and casually said, “Now that the truth is out, let them deal with the rest. What you should be doing now is resting properly. You’ve been awake for two nights straight.”
Over the past two nights, Murong Qiufeng had been pushing his endurance by staying up late alone. Thankfully, it was only two nights. If it had been one more night, Shangguan Ye would have forced him to rest. But this situation wasn’t bad. It had allowed him to see another side of Murong Qiufeng, or perhaps, the event had triggered that side of him.
Murong Qiufeng was pressed down on the bed. The little wolf cub, which had been on the bed, immediately jumped onto his lap.
Holding the wolf cub, Murong Qiufeng helplessly looked at Shangguan Ye. “But I still have questions to ask.”
“I know what you want to ask. I’ll investigate Le Yin’s matters for you. His intentions are already clear. Le Yin is narrow-minded and likely resented you after the incident at the tavern. Moreover, he may want your Qinglian Jade Flute. His repeated demand for you to return the treasure is very telling,” Shangguan Ye said casually as he grabbed the little wolf cub by its neck and threw it onto the floor. Then, he proceeded to push Murong Qiufeng down onto the bed.
Murong Qiufeng furrowed his brows. Shangguan Ye’s explanation made sense. It was indeed targeted at him. However, he was somewhat relieved that it wasn’t directed at his companions.
“Er… what are you doing?” Murong Qiufeng snapped out of his thoughts only to find that Shangguan Ye had laid down next to him and was now pulling the blanket over both of them.
His body stiffened, and his face involuntarily flushed red. Nervously, he turned to the side.
Shangguan Ye raised an eyebrow, hooked his waist, and pulled him closer with a mischievous smile. “I haven’t slept for two nights either. You’re responsible. Don’t say anything, just sleep. I’m really tired.”
“C-Can’t you go back to your own room?” Murong Qiufeng stammered. The hand on his waist felt like it was burning, and his entire body warmed up. He was at a loss for words. Shangguan Ye, on the other hand, was completely composed as he naturally leaned his head on his shoulder, his breath warm against his arm, making Murong Qiufeng feel a little ticklish and uncomfortable.
“I’m too lazy to move,” Shangguan Ye murmured, rubbing his forehead against Murong Qiufeng’s shoulder. His voice had already become a little drowsy.
Murong Qiufeng’s body went rigid, his expression frozen. “Well… I’ll go…”
Before he could finish, Shangguan Ye suddenly raised his head and leaned toward him, their faces almost brushing against each other—barely two centimeters apart.
Murong Qiufeng felt like his heart stopped for a moment. He held his breath, not daring to make a sound.
Shangguan Ye didn’t do anything further. Instead, he raised an eyebrow and said, “We’re both men. What are you being so awkward about? Sleep, or I’ll seal your acupoint.”
He then continued to hold him and fall asleep.
Murong Qiufeng’s lips twitched, his face burning like a ripe tomato. His heart seemed like it was going to leap out of his chest. He was too embarrassed to breathe evenly.
Shangguan Ye, hearing his heart pounding like thunder, couldn’t help but curl his lips into a sly smile. No matter how clever a little lion was, it was still his silly, cute little rabbit. Truly adorable.
Murong Qiufeng took a deep breath, trying to change the subject to ease the awkwardness. “About Song Lige, what will happen to her?”
“Death for murder,” Shangguan Ye replied indifferently.
Murong Qiufeng instinctively pressed his lips together, a trace of reluctance flashing in his eyes.
Shangguan Ye seemed to understand his thoughts. He gently patted Murong Qiufeng’s waist. “Some people can’t be easily forgiven. When it’s time to be harsh, you have to be. But…” Shangguan Ye paused, lifted his head, and looked at Murong Qiufeng seriously. “If you can’t bring yourself to be harsh, let me do it. I can be your protective weapon. This time, I’ll make an exception. In the future, if you feel wronged, don’t hold it in. Let me help you.”
Murong Qiufeng looked into Shangguan Ye’s deep, earnest eyes. A warm ripple spread in his heart, and he felt a sweet sensation. His face turned a little unnatural, and he turned his head away, feeling embarrassed.
Shangguan Ye noticed the alluring, slightly flushed white neck exposed from Murong Qiufeng’s turned head. His heart stirred, and he smiled, his mood lightening. He lay back down, pulling Murong Qiufeng into his arms. Their bodies were almost touching.
Murong Qiufeng could feel the heat intensify, but he dared not move. He continued to change the topic. “So, can she be spared from death? After all, she was just used.”
“Hm. If you sleep properly, I’ll consider it,” Shangguan Ye said nonchalantly. His voice seemed to indicate he was drifting off to sleep, entering a half-conscious state.
Murong Qiufeng found it a little amusing. Shangguan Ye sounded almost like a child. It was endearing in a way. Murong Qiufeng relaxed a little and closed his eyes. For some reason, he quickly fell asleep.
Shangguan Ye woke up after one or two hours. He glanced at Murong Qiufeng, who was sleeping in a very proper, almost meticulous posture, looking peaceful and serene.
Unable to resist, Shangguan Ye gently kissed his lips. Then, he deftly got out of bed, taking the blood wolf that was about to jump onto the bed with him.
“Your Highness.”
“What happened?” Shangguan Ye walked into the study, where Youxiang had been waiting. The evening was settling in, and the flickering candlelight cast long shadows.
“The person has disappeared. It seems they had sensed something and fled earlier. I’ve already given orders to pursue and kill them,” Youxiang said coldly. Her face remained expressionless, but there was a murderous and ruthless gleam in her eyes. It was a far cry from her usual carefree demeanor. This was the true nature of poison and death—Youxiang’s spirit had been shattered.
Shangguan Ye seemed to have anticipated this outcome. He nodded slightly, his expression unchanged. “Where is the person?”
“Below.”
They descended into a secret passage, entering a room where a woman lay on the floor, her hands and feet bound with iron chains. The woman was none other than Song Lige, who had been swapped out.
Shangguan Ye walked over slowly, looking down at Song Lige, whose expression was filled with shock and fear. He spoke indifferently, “Why did Le Yin make you frame Murong Qiufeng?”
Song Lige’s eyes immediately filled with hatred. She gritted her teeth, turned her head away, and remained silent.
Youxiang’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “You’re quite loyal. But you have loyalty, and he has none. You’re here, taking the fall for him, but he’s already long gone, living freely. What’s the point of all this?”
Song Lige snorted coldly. “If you’re going to kill me, just do it. Stop wasting words. I won’t tell you anything.”
“Heh. Actually, you don’t know, do you? You were nothing more than a pawn used by Le Yin. A discarded piece. Could it be… you fell in love with him?” Youxiang sneered. “Don’t tell me you did. That would be the funniest thing. Le Yin doesn’t like women. Maybe you didn’t know, but he was just a bed warmer for the prince in the past—barely even a male concubine.”
Shangguan Ye did not intervene.
Song Lige’s eyes widened in shock, and she immediately screamed, “Impossible! Don’t insult him!”
“Hehe. Whether it’s an insult or not, he’ll tell you himself in the future. Your Highness, how do you wish to deal with her? It seems she truly doesn’t know Le Yin’s intentions.”
“Since she lacks a man, take her to the military camp. Treat her well and make sure to have a doctor attend to her. Don’t let her die,” Shangguan Ye said indifferently.
Youxiang grinned, her smile full of malice as she watched Song Lige’s face twist with disbelief and fear. She burst into a sharp, horrifying scream, which was quickly silenced. “I told you, you shouldn’t have touched someone you shouldn’t have.”
