Chapter 15: Fair Wrists Like Frosty Snow

Chapter 15: Fair Wrists Like Frosty Snow

The obvious flattery, combined with her innocent and pitiful expression, could extinguish even the angriest flames by three-quarters.

Ye Jiangbai pressed his hand against his forehead, both amused and exasperated. "Your Highness, one should consider how to solve problems, not merely smooth them over with sweet words."

That was solving it! Chang Nian secretly glanced at his softened expression and felt that she had done a decent job.

But since he was still dissatisfied, she lowered her eyes submissively. "Duke, please feel free to reprimand me. I'll listen."

Ye Jiangbai pondered for a moment before saying, "Your Highness will turn twenty this year. Surely there are no ladies-in-waiting in the palace to serve you?"

Upon hearing this, Chang Nian's hair stood on end, and her hand on his head trembled slightly.

"Hmm?" Sensing something amiss, Ye Jiangbai tilted his head slightly. "Your Highness?"

"I... It's not urgent," Chang Nian stammered, her gaze wandering guiltily. "The Autumn Palace is so desolate. It would be an injustice to ask someone to serve me here."

Ordinarily, men would become aware of such matters around fifteen or sixteen. Among the seven princes in the court, six already had three concubines each by the age of fifteen. Yet, this prince was different. Apart from a little palace maid, there was no one else by his side. Even if he wasn't favored, it shouldn't have been like this.

Recalling the intimate scene between Seventh Prince and Feng Tingyun just now, Ye Jiangbai shuddered and turned to look at her with a complicated expression.

"Duke?" Chang Nian panicked, unable to hide her guilt on her face. She dared not meet his gaze.

Ye Jiangbai's heart sank as he frowned. "Does His Highness also have a preference for men?"

What a ridiculous question! As a girl, she naturally found men attractive! Chang Nian blushed, but she didn't dare lie in front of him. All she could do was murmur in acknowledgment.

Instantly, Ye Jiangbai stood up, taking two steps back. His jaw tensed, and his gaze turned sharp and intricate as he looked at her.

Chang Nian's hand froze mid-air, unsure whether to laugh or cry. "Duke, it's not what you think."

Liking men—how else could it be interpreted? Ye Jiangbai felt goosebumps rise on his skin. He despised such inclinations, and if Feng Tingyun weren't his close friend without any male favorites, he would have ended their relationship long ago. It was already difficult for him to tolerate it, and now there was Seventh Prince?

Shivering, Ye Jiangbai was tempted to turn and leave.

However, the situation had already been set. If he left now, he would eventually have to return.

There was no escape from facing the truth.

With an ashen face, Ye Jiangbai fell silent for a long while before he said, "As a subject, it's not appropriate to interfere with the prince's preferences. However... Lord Feng is not a good man, so I hope Your Highness will consider this matter carefully."

She didn't think Feng Tingyun was a good man either! Chang Nian grumbled inwardly. Then, lifting her head with sincerity in her eyes, she said, "I've taken note of your advice."

Ye Jiangbai looked down and nodded slightly. He remained standing there, seemingly still holding a grudge.

Seeing this, Chang Nian winced in pain as she twisted her sore buttocks and went over to pull him down to sit. She respectfully offered him a cup of tea with both hands, "Duke, please."

As she held the white porcelain cup above her head, her delicate wrist was exposed. Ye Jiangbai gazed at it, recalling Feng Tingyun's words. Indeed, Feng Tingyun was right. Such a frail and fair-skinned man would indeed be someone who would be involved in same-sex relationships.

He took the tea in a huff and drank it, then put down the teacup and said solemnly, "I have a serious matter to discuss today. The Crown Prince mentioned in the imperial study today that there were some difficulties in the officials' appointments and he needed help to resolve them. I don't know what the Emperor had in mind, but he pointed to you, Your Highness."

Chang Nian choked on her breath and looked up, staring wide-eyed at her own nose tip. "Me?"

In fact, he originally meant someone else, but since Ye Jiangbai had interjected, the task landed on her. Appointing officials sounded simple, but the interpersonal relationships involved were like a delicate web where any slight disturbance could cause a chain reaction. It was very challenging. That was why when he suggested the Seventh Prince give it a try, the Crown Prince immediately agreed without much thought.

Of course, he couldn't reveal the truth to her. Ye Jiangbai softened his expression and reassured her, "I'll assist Your Highness in accomplishing this task."

Chang Nian's face paled slightly, but she maintained her composure. Hugging her bottom, she pondered for a long time before nodding. "I'll take care of it once I can walk normally in two days."

"Duke, there's no need for Your Highness to make the trip personally," Ye Jiangbai said. "Tomorrow, I'll invite both officials to the palace for a chat with you over tea."

"Which two officials?"

"Advisory Doctor Xu Youyuan and General Ningyuan, Xie Hui."

The position of General Ningyuan was a military title without specific responsibilities, so it wasn't unusual for a transfer. But what about Xu Youyuan? Chang Nian's eyelashes fluttered, and she bit her lip, lowering her head.

Her mother was from the Qin family, which had an alliance through marriage with the Xu family. Although Xu Youyuan wasn't related to her by blood, he could still be considered family. If she recalled correctly, Xu Youyuan had quite an impressive record, so he should have been promoted. Why was he being demoted instead, and why did she have to be the one to tell him?

"Duke, if I fail in this task, will it bring trouble to you?" Chang Nian asked.

Ye Jiangbai nodded earnestly. "It will."

Her little face fell, and Chang Nian slumped back onto the cushion, curling up into a ball. "Then... then I'll do my best and give it a try."

This person always behaved like this when upset, shrinking into a tiny bundle that looked like a dumpling from afar, pitiful indeed. Ye Jiangbai watched her but didn't soften. He squeezed the object in his waist and got up to take his leave.

Back at his own residence, Ye Jiangbai couldn't help but think how fortunate it was that the emperor, in his youth, had been captivated by women and sired seven princes. Otherwise, the sudden discontinuation of the royal lineage would surely have driven him to despair.

Could it be that the Seventh Prince's preference for men is the reason he has remained inconspicuous, knowing he has little chance of attaining greatness? When he reaches the appropriate age, he could be granted an imperial title, or perhaps retire to his fiefdom to live peacefully with a male companion. That would be a viable way to live his life.

Upon this reflection, Prince Seventh could indeed be considered astute.

Ye Jiangbai sneered, his eyes lowered in a daze. Unconsciously, he rubbed a white jade pendant between his fingers, and the image of Zhao Changnian's tender, supple waist and delicate wrists surfaced in his mind.

That very night, the Duke of State, renowned for his disdain of same-sex affection, had a lascivious dream. In it, a figure with a slender waist swayed gently, moving softly against him. Moonlit arms encircled him, and long, raven-black tresses cascaded over his body.

In the depths of his emotions, Ye Jiangbai lifted his gaze to see the face of the person before him.

...

As dawn approached, Ye Jiangbai leaned against the headboard of his bed with a grim expression, staring at the disheveled bedding. He realized he might have been under too much stress lately, as how could he have such absurd dreams?

More absurdly, he found it unexpectedly pleasant.

Men were indeed inherently absurd creatures!

Muttering a few curses, Ye Jiangbai got up to bathe, hoping to cleanse his thoughts as well. When he stood resolutely in the court hall, dressed in his official attire, he was once again the serious and dedicated Duke.

Chang Nian had a restless night, her thoughts entangled in an intricate web. She assumed she wouldn't feel fatigue anymore, but as the moment approached for the two esteemed officials' visit, she found herself struggling to keep her eyes open with overwhelming drowsiness.