The night deepened further. Mo Bei looked around lazily, as though she were strolling through a place devoid of people.
“A night pearl—this will do nicely for lighting.” She smiled, casually scooping up a pearl and stuffing it into her backpack. Another glance around confirmed that this place held no challenge whatsoever. Bored, she kicked the little tyrant knocked out at her feet, the corner of her lips curving up in a profoundly scheming smile.
“Since I’m already here, I’ll leave you a little memento.” As she spoke, she picked up the brush from the peachwood table, dipped it in black ink, and with wild, flamboyant strokes drew a turtle.
“Mmm, not bad! Very fitting!” Mo Bei gazed at the handsome face before her, smirked to herself, and packed up her things, preparing to withdraw.
Suddenly, the sound of wooden clogs came from beyond the door.
Clack, clack, clack.
Each step echoed through the night, accompanied by a man’s warm, clear laughter: “I wonder if Fourth Brother has fallen asleep?”
“Reporting to Your Highness the Crown Prince, the Fourth Prince is currently applying himself diligently in his study.”
“Heh, it seems Father has locked him up again. It is high time he reined in his temperament.”
Her body froze in place. Mo Bei, who should have swiftly drawn her whip, instead found her soul seized by that voice.
So much like… so much like older brother.
Her eyes widened in a daze. She forgot to move, forgot she was in the imperial palace, forgot everything in the world.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, this servant shall open the door for you.” He Qi bent over with a grin, but the moment his hand touched the iron lock, he froze, murmuring, “Huh? Why is this lock open?”
At those words, the man’s thick brows furrowed slightly. He reached out to pull the little eunuch back and cast a meaningful glance to his left and right.
Bang!
Two guards kicked the door open, large blades in hand, their eyes fierce.
In that instant!
A strange gust swept past, and the oil lamps were instantly extinguished, leaving nothing visible.
“Xiao Qizi, light the lamps!” The man strode in and ordered in a deep voice, “Yang Biao, Yang Hu, pass on this prince’s command—seal off Aofeng Palace! Every person entering or leaving is to be thoroughly inspected!” Even as he issued orders, he bent down, trying to rouse the youth on the ground: “Fourth Brother, Fourth Brother.”
He called several times, but Yelu Aofeng did not stir. The man’s eyes narrowed slightly—presumably the victim of knockout incense. He surveyed the room. “Xiao Qizi, come with this Crown Prince to see Father Emperor.”
“Ah, b-but the Fourth Prince…” Go see His Majesty? Could he not? Given His Majesty’s temper, he would surely be sentenced for dereliction of duty!
How could the man fail to perceive his thoughts? He smiled warmly and gently. “Simply carry Fourth Brother back to his bedchambers. Do not fear—this Crown Prince will shield you before Father Emperor. Moreover, if this matter drags on until Father Emperor personally asks after it, only then would there be a dead end.”
“Yes, yes, this servant shall follow Your Highness the Crown Prince immediately.” Xiao Qizi felt his soul fly from his body upon hearing these words. His legs trembling, he hoisted his master onto his back and hurried out the door.
The man in yellow robes raised his eyes, carefully examining the room. Once certain there was nothing amiss, he flicked his sleeves and departed.
“Mmph, mmph, mmph!”
The sound of struggling came from beneath the bed. Mo Bei blinked her large eyes, flashing them as if to say, Let me go!
“Wanting to say thank you? Hmm?” A large palm pressed tightly against her thin lips. The silver-masked man hooked his lips into a smile. “If you were a woman, offering yourself to me in marriage would be quite nice.” This eunuch’s body was soft and fragrant; if not for the chest beneath him, flat as the open plains, he might truly have mistaken him for a woman disguised as a man.
Beneath her veil, her pretty face flushed crimson. Mo Bei had never been so grateful for binding her chest as she was at this moment, or else this fellow might do something unpredictable.
She awkwardly raised her arm. The breath so close before her made her entire body uneasy. Scorching heat slowly transmitted from his palm, accompanied by a powerful heartbeat, leaving her utterly restless.