Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Xiao Yu hadn't expected to end up kissing Pei Yanli’s chest - smooth, warm, firm, with a faintly comforting scent. Stunned for a moment, he quickly stood up, his cheeks flushed red, and stammered, "I, I was just checking, checking the General’s, wound."

"Checking his wound while sitting on his lap?" Pei Yiyang asked.

Xiao Yu was left speechless.

"Are you a doctor?" Pei Yiyang asked again.

Xiao Yu was not.

Pei Yiyang continued, "You even kissed my brother."

"Pei Yiyang, shut up!" both the Princess Regent and Pei Yanli exclaimed in unison.

Pei Yiyang was momentarily stunned.

"Xiao Yu, Yanli, continue checking the wound," the Princess Regent said with a smile, pulling Pei Yiyang away, "We’re leaving."

Pei Yiyang, reluctant to leave, said, "Mom, Xiao Ziqing really kissed my brother, on his chest."

"Shut up!" the Princess Regent firmly dragged Pei Yiyang away.

The study was quiet once more.

Xiao Yu still stood rooted to the spot.

Pei Yanli, with his chest partially exposed, turned and called, "Xiao Yu."

"Put your clothes on properly!" Xiao Yu reached out to pull Pei Yanli’s garment up.

"You're the one who undressed me," Pei Yanli said, appearing compliant.

Truly... too tempting.

Xiao Yu stepped forward, "Be careful not to catch a cold."

Pei Yanli, holding Xiao Yu's hand, said, "I'm not that delicate."

"Yes, could you please put on your clothes and mind your manners?" Xiao Yu directly started fastening Pei Yanli’s belt.

Pei Yanli embraced Xiao Yu and leaned in for a kiss.

Xiao Yu pushed him away, saying, "Someone might see us again."

Pei Yanli laughed, "Let them see, my parents have already accepted you."

Xiao Yu chided, "You really have thick skin."

"It's okay." Seeing Xiao Yu’s ears turn red, Pei Yanli stopped teasing him. He took Xiao Yu’s hand, sat down at the desk, and handed over a small crossbow, "A New Year’s gift."

Xiao Yu had heard Pei Yanli and Pei Yiyang discussing earlier that the small crossbow was like a slingshot. Now seeing it, it really was about the same size as a slingshot, but much more complex. He curiously asked, "Did you really make this?"

Pei Yanli nodded.

Xiao Yu observed it carefully, finding it both simple and complex, with exquisite craftsmanship.

"Try it," Pei Yanli suggested.

Never having seen such a thing before, Xiao Yu asked in confusion, "How do I try it?"

"I’ll show you," Pei Yanli guided Xiao Yu’s hand to pull the trigger. With two "whoosh" sounds, two small arrows thudded into the bookshelf.

Xiao Yu exclaimed, "This is much more powerful than a slingshot!"

"Of course, but it has a drawback."

Xiao Yu turned and asked, "What is it?"

"It can only shoot two arrows at a time."

Xiao Yu sincerely said, "I think it's already very impressive."

"Thanks for the compliment," Pei Yanli earnestly said. "Due to its small size, there are many limitations, but it can be useful for self-defense in critical moments."

"Self-defense, huh? But I can’t carry it in the palace," Xiao Yu, who usually stayed in the Eastern Palace, knew that whether he was visiting the Empress Dowager, the Empress, the Yongxi Emperor, or anyone else, he would be searched first, and carrying any weapons or hidden devices was prohibited.

"Carry it when you leave the palace, like now, or during the Lantern Festival, or when His Majesty personally tills the fields." Fondness for someone always brings concern for their safety. Pei Yanli knew that the security in the Eastern Palace was tight and no harm would come, but he couldn't help worrying about Xiao Yu.

After thinking it over, Xiao Yu said, "You’re right."

"Here's a box of small arrows," Pei Yanli handed a small brocade box to Xiao Yu, "Use these for now, and I’ll make more for you later."

Xiao Yu opened the small brocade box to find several small, finely crafted, and sharp arrows. Realizing the effort put into them, he looked up and asked, "Have you been making these at home these past few days?"

Sitting at the desk, Pei Yanli replied, "You wouldn’t let me enter the palace or wield weapons, so I had to find something to do."

"You did well, and most importantly, your wound has healed." Seeing the scab and knowing there was little chance of infection or pus formation, Xiao Yu felt relieved.

Suddenly, Pei Yanli stood up, took Xiao Yu's hand again, and said, "Let’s go."

"Where to?"

"Sit by the window and bask in the sun."

The winter sunlight just right outside the window, warming them as they chatted sporadically, creating a peaceful atmosphere, interrupted only by the noise of Pei Yiyang.

"What’s wrong with Yiyang?" Xiao Yu asked.

Pei Yanli replied, "He's walking the dog."

"Let’s go take a look."

Pei Yanli asked, "To see him, or to see where I grew up?"

Xiao Yu smiled, "To see the place where you grew up."

"Let's go."

Xiao Yu had previously visited the General's residence, which was simple, imposing, yet somewhat cold. However, the Pei Mansion had a completely different style – elegant, comfortable, and lively, very suitable for living.

He also learned about some of Pei Yanli's mischievous childhood antics, which made him even more fond of Pei Yanli. As they chatted and laughed, it was almost noon.

Pei Yanli was keen on having Xiao Yu stay for lunch.

But Xiao Yu needed to hurry back.

The Princess Regent and Pei Yiyang also came over.

Xiao Yu paid his respects.

The Princess Regent asked, "Xiao Ziqing, are you leaving already?"

Xiao Yu nodded, "The Crown Prince and Minghe will be back in the Eastern Palace soon."

That made sense.

The two children were young and very attached to him, indeed needing Xiao Yu's care. The Princess Regent didn't insist further and said, "Next time, stay a little longer."

Xiao Yu agreed, "Okay."

The Princess Regent then changed her mind, "Actually, next time you come, you could just stay here."

This statement made Xiao Yu somewhat embarrassed.

Indeed.

The Princess Regent was hinting at marriage, continuing, "Xiao Ziqing, you'll be twenty soon, right?"

"Yes, twenty next year," Xiao Yu replied.

The Princess Regent glanced at Pei Yanli and said, "Our Yanli is already over twenty, it's time to start thinking about these things."

"Mother," Pei Yanli spoke up to intervene.

Understanding Pei Yanli's intentions, the Princess Regent said, "Alright, you can bring it up yourself. I won't mention it anymore."

"Is it a marriage proposal?" Pei Yiyang, having learned of Pei Yanli and Xiao Yu's relationship from the Princess Regent, was initially shocked and struggled to accept his brother liking another man. But considering that 'other man' was Xiao Ziqing, it somehow seemed more acceptable.

His nimble mind quickly adapted to the idea, and he even began looking forward to Xiao Ziqing marrying his brother and living in the mansion, giving him the chance to play with Xiao Yu every day.

Xiao Yu, hearing the words "marriage proposal," was both startled and somewhat embarrassed.

The Princess Regent chuckled secretly.

Concerned that Xiao Yu might be upset, Pei Yanli stopped paying attention to the Princess Regent and Pei Yiyang. He took Xiao Yu out of the Pei Mansion, helped him into the carriage, and said, "I will start attending court from tomorrow."

"You can come to the Eastern Palace for lunch," Xiao Yu suggested.

"Alright," Pei Yanli nodded.

Xiao Yu sat in the carriage, leaning on the window to wave goodbye to Pei Yanli. Thinking about Pei Yanli's wound finally healing made him cheerful. Then, involuntarily, he visualized Pei Yanli’s muscular chest - firm and warm... "What am I thinking...?" Yet he had to admit, Pei Yanli indeed had an impressive physique.

He entered the palace feeling happy, embarrassed, and expectant.

At the third palace gate, the carriage stopped.

All carriages and horses arriving there, without Emperor Yongxi's command, had to halt.

Xiao Yu got off the carriage and underwent a security check by the guards, who found the small crossbow and arrows. However, he had a jade token from the General, so the guards didn’t make any issue of it.

He easily passed through the Third Palace Gate and looked up to see Fang Ru'an carrying a wooden box, walking ahead.

Although he didn’t hold grudges against exes, Xiao Yu genuinely had no feelings for Fang Ru'an and couldn’t bring himself to like him, nor did he wish to have any interaction.

Unexpectedly, Fang Ru'an suddenly stopped and turned to look back.

Xiao Yu could only manage an awkward smile.

Fang Ru'an quickly approached, greeting warmly, "Greetings, Xiao Ziqing."

"There's no need for formalities, Lord Fang." Since they had already exchanged greetings, Xiao Yu continued the conversation, "What are you doing, Lord Fang?"

"I was out measuring land outside the palace this morning, now heading back to document the findings," Fang Ru'an replied.

Xiao Yu asked curiously, "Are you planning to build something outside the palace?"

"Not a building, but a watchtower, to better observe various situations within the city," Fang Ru'an explained. Then, looking at Xiao Yu's casual attire, he inquired, "What brings you out, Xiao Ziqing?"

Xiao Yu replied candidly, "I went to visit General Pei at the Pei Mansion."

Fang Ru'an's expression darkened slightly, but he didn’t respond.

Xiao Yu pretended not to notice.

"Lord Fang, Xiao Ziqing!" Zheng Weilu’s voice called out.

Xiao Yu looked up and indeed saw Zheng Weilu, then paid his respects.

Fang Ru'an was a bit slower to bow.

After exchanging pleasantries with both men, Zheng Weilu gave Fang Ru'an a look and said sarcastically, "Lord Fang, Xiao Ziqing, you two seem to have a fate. Have a good chat, I’ll leave you to it."

"Safe travels, Lord Zheng," Xiao Yu said.

Zheng Weilu left in high spirits.

Xiao Yu turned his attention to Fang Ru'an.

Unexpectedly, Fang Ru'an bowed to Xiao Yu and then quickly walked away.

What just happened?

Why the sudden warmth and then abruptly leaving?

It was baffling.

Although Xiao Yu was puzzled, he didn’t sense any hostility from Fang Ru'an, nor the discomfort he previously felt around him. Perhaps Fang Ru'an’s attitude had changed since Xiao Yu saved his life. Deciding not to dwell on it, Xiao Yu walked forward and headed towards the Eastern Palace.

He had barely reached Changxin Hall when he heard the voices of the two children.

"Is Uncle back from outside the palace?" Danzi asked.

Minghe inquired, "When did Uncle return?"

"We have to wait for Uncle to have dinner together," Danzi said.

"I'm back!" Xiao Yu called out loudly.

The two children quickly ran to him.

Xiao Yu, embracing the children, said, "Let’s go eat, I'm starving."

"Mealtime, mealtime," the children echoed.

After lunch, Xiao Yu showed the small crossbow to the children, and the three of them played with it together.

Minghe and Danzi were totally hooked, shooting the small arrows, retrieving them, and then shooting again. They even set up a target to see who was more skilled, becoming so engrossed that they skipped their afternoon nap and went straight to Qianxin Hall to study with Emperor Yongxi.

Xiao Yu practiced with the small crossbow by himself.

The next day, after court, Pei Yanli brought another box of small arrowheads.

Xiao Yu and his nephews played with it every day.

Minghe and Danzi both pestered Pei Yanli for their own crossbows.

Xiao Yu, smiling, said, "Including Yiyang’s crossbow, now you have to make three more."

Pei Yanli nodded, "I’ll make them after the Lantern Festival."

"Why only after the Lantern Festival?" Danzi asked.

"Last year, Da Jing and Bei Jin joined forces to defeat the Hu people, bringing peace to the northwestern border. The inland people have had a good harvest, and the capital city is thriving more than ever, so this year's Lantern Festival will surely be grand," Pei Yanli explained.

"Are you going out of the palace to protect the people?" Danzi inquired.

"Exactly, during the Lantern Festival, fireworks and lanterns are everywhere, which can easily cause accidents. Therefore, patrols are necessary both inside and outside the palace to prevent any mishaps," Pei Yanli said.

"Are you going to patrol personally?" Xiao Yu asked.

Pei Yanli replied, "I could choose not to patrol."

Minghe thought for a moment and asked, "Can we leave the palace then?"

Xiao Yuanping joined in, "I want to leave the palace! I want to go out!"

"That's not up to us," Pei Yanli said. "We have to follow the Emperor's orders."

Xiao Yuanping then pestered Emperor Yongxi for several days. With Empress Zheng’s support and the current era of peace, the Emperor agreed to let them go out in plain clothes during the Lantern Festival.

But only for one hour.

An hour is still time to see it, and Xiao Yu and the others were very happy.

The three Zheng brothers also received the news.

"Big brother, our chance has come," Zheng Weilu said.

Zheng Weirong nodded, "Go and hurry Lord Fang."

Zheng Weilu went to the Ministry of Works to find Fang Ru'an, informing him about Xiao Yu and the others leaving the palace.

Fang Ru'an was silent for a moment, then asked, "Lord Zheng, where did you learn that they would be leaving the palace?"

"You don't need to know that," Zheng Weilu said gravely. "On the day of the Lantern Festival, you go too, and make sure to interact with General Pei, understand?"