Chapter 13: A Man Who Charms Other Men

Chapter 13: A Man Who Charms Other Men

"Why?" Chang Nian was puzzled. "Many in the court speak highly of Minister Feng's reliability and integrity."

"But he has a preference for men," Ye Jiangbai narrowed his eyes.

"Uh..." Chang Nian scratched his head. In this prosperous age, with an open-minded society, it was not uncommon for wealthy families to keep male entertainers. This was generally accepted. However, some officials in the court detested such inclinations, and they had established laws forbidding male favorites from entering the imperial harem and banning official titles for them.

Ironically, the person who enacted this law happened to be named Ye Jiangbai.

Princess Zhao Changnian discreetly observed his expression and realized he was displeased, so she didn't dare to argue back. Personally, she had no prejudice against same-sex relationships; emotions were natural and not something that laws could control.

"Take this month to focus on your recovery, Your Highness," Ye Jiangbai said after lowering his gaze in thought for a moment. "Once you're healed, you can attend to some official duties."

In a month, the court would begin purchasing military provisions, a lucrative assignment originally designated for the Crown Prince. However, with the Crown Prince's recent misstep and Duke Guo fanning the flames, the emperor would likely appoint someone else to handle it, to curb the prince's arrogance.

In truth, either the Third or Fifth Prince would be more suitable for the task than her. But judging from Duke Guo's attitude, it seemed that the responsibility would fall on her shoulders.

Changnian tilted her head, pondered for a while, then chuckled. "Duke, I'm quite slow-witted. I've never done anything significant all these years. If given a task, I'd probably mess it up."

"Your Highness, there's no need for self-deprecation," Ye Jiangbai said as he sat down, his eyes deep and enigmatic. "I have faith in you, so naturally, you won't fail."

In simpler terms, it meant he had her back, and whatever she did, he would support her. If she made a mess, he would clean it up.

Chang Nian was deeply moved, almost to the point of tears. Her eyes shimmered with admiration as she bowed to him respectfully. "Thank you, Duke."

Ye Jiangbai curved his lips slightly. "Your Highness, there's no need to be formal."

He listened to the Seventh Prince prattle on for half an hour until she fell asleep. Then, Ye Jiangbai quietly got up and left the Autumn Palace.

"What are you planning to do?" Feng Tingyun asked as he stood in the palace corridor, frowning slightly when he saw Ye Jiangbai approach. "Whether it's the Second Prince or the Fourth Prince, they both deserve their fate. They should leave if they must. But this Seventh Prince has done nothing wrong. Why drag her into the chaos?"

With no one else around, Ye Jiangbai dropped his fake smile and gave Feng Tingyun a lazy glance. "Born into a royal family, can anyone truly live a peaceful life?"

"But you could have chosen the Third Prince," Feng Tingyun said, furrowing his brow. "The Third Prince has a solid foundation and can withstand turmoil. Even if the Crown Prince has designs on him, he'd still be able to protect himself. Look at what the Seventh Prince is like. Those delicate wrists..."

He formed a circle with his thumb and forefinger and showed it to Ye Jiangbai. "This thin. I could snap them with just a twist! With such a fragile physique, she should be pampered and cared for with the finest things."

Pausing in his step, Ye Jiangbai turned his head. "Xianzhen, are you daring to lust after her?"

Grown up as close friends, who didn't understand each other's intentions? Ever since he laid eyes on the Seventh Prince, something had been off about this man's gaze. The excuse of taking his pulse was clearly a pretense to get closer.

"Feng Tingyun protests his innocence! How am I lustful?" He sighed. "Everyone has an appreciation for beauty. Prince Seven is handsome and charming. Am I not allowed to admire him a little?"

"For anyone else, you can do as you please. But not him," Ye Jiangbai frowned. "This charade will end sooner or later."

The Seventh Prince was his stepping stone, a distraction to hide his true intentions. Once the truth came out, he would have to abandon him. If Feng Tingyun were to develop feelings for the prince in the meantime, it would be a disaster.

Feng Tingyun grew unhappy. "No room for negotiation? I genuinely find Prince Seven interesting. He even gave me green bean cakes. His skin is fair and smooth, like a porcelain doll. So adorable..."

"Enough."

"You must think he's cute too, that's why you're protecting him," Feng Tingyun pouted. "If not, you could have discarded him in the court and implicated others without issue."

"…Not at all." Ye Jiangbai turned away and started walking. "I protect him because... I received benefits."

He was the type to repay favors with actions.

Feng Tingyun followed, shaking his head. "Deny it if you want. I won't argue. Just don't stop me. I know my limits. I'm just teasing him, nothing serious."

"As a prince, he's not an ordinary noble youth," Ye Jiangbai's face darkened. "Feng Tingyun, you still haven't given the Song family an explanation for bothering their young master last time."

Others would dalliance with maidens, playing the flirtatious game, stirring up hidden affections in women's hearts without any intention of commitment, only to be cursed for their heartlessness and recklessness. This one, however, had a peculiar taste for charming refined young men. It was awkward for their families to pursue the matter, yet they couldn't help feeling enraged if they didn't. Naturally, complaints would end up at his doorstep.

"Stop causing me trouble."

Feng Tingyun chuckled, brushing off his sleeves. "I know my limits. I'm well aware who I can provoke and who I shouldn't."

Ye Jiangbai gritted his teeth, about to try persuading him further when they encountered a colleague. Feng Tingyun promptly turned and began chatting with the other man, leaving Ye Jiangbai behind with a glare.

Truly a troublemaker.

So, as Zhao Changnian recuperated, she frequently saw Feng Tingyun entering and exiting her palace. One day he claimed to visit her, another he said Duke had a message, and a few days later, he brought her trinkets from outside the palace to entertain herself.

"How is your highness's injury?" Feng Tingyun asked gently, sitting beside her bed.

Changnian smiled warmly at him, replying obediently, "After half a month of rest, I can lie down comfortably now, but walking is still a bit difficult."

"That's too bad, the flowers outside have started blooming," Feng Tingyun said with a faint smile, gazing deeply into her eyes. "Shall this humble servant carry you out to see them?"

A delicate blush crept up the nape of Chang Nian's neck, and she lowered her head. "N-No need."

"Does Your Highness mistrust this minister?" Feng Tingyun's brows drooped, an air of grievance on his face. "It has been so long; I thought Your Highness had come to consider me half a confidant. Yet it seems Your Highness is still wary of me."

"It's not like that," Chang Nian said, feeling awkward. "It's just... unconventional."

"There are no outsiders in this palace." Feng Tingyun extended his hand toward her. "This minister won't tell anyone."

Chang Nian chuckled naively. "Minister Feng, Duke reminded you to 'be cautious in solitude.'"

"Ignore him," Feng Tingyun scoffed. Reaching for the cloak hanging on a screen nearby, he draped it over the person in bed and effortlessly lifted them into his arms.

"Ahh!" Chang Nian was genuinely startled; she hadn't expected this official to be so daring and unrestrained. Her little face paled with fear.

Feng Tingyun laughed at her reaction, delighted. He weighed her light frame briefly before striding confidently out of the palace gate.