Chapter 115 – Black-Bellied Regent VS Loyal Shadow Guard (19)
Watching the usually passive young man in front of him take the initiative to kiss him, hoping to calm his emotions, Wen Renhong couldn’t help but furrow his brow and hesitantly asked Mu Jin, “Do you really not want to be the queen?”
The young man across from him, upon hearing his question, shook his head more firmly and said, “No, Master, it’s not my ambition.”
Wen Renhong was stunned by Mu Jin’s words, suddenly remembering the wish Mu Jin had expressed after getting drunk in the past.
Yes, Mu Jin had said he wanted to be an ordinary farmer or a wandering swordsman. He had never mentioned wanting high rank and riches; all he had ever wanted was freedom.
What good was being the queen? It would only confine him to the palace like a caged bird, while his beloved yearned for the fields and rivers. Thinking of this, a moment of obscurity flashed through Wen Renhong’s eyes, and he couldn’t help but feel somewhat disheartened and even a sense of crisis.
Wen Renhong had always been aware that his relationship with Mu Jin was somewhat self-deceptive. Although he had told Mu Jin not to be his master, he wouldn’t grant him freedom either.
He couldn’t promise Mu Jin that he could let him go, because he didn’t dare to gamble. Even though Wen Renhong wouldn’t admit it, he was always afraid deep down, unsure whether Mu Jin loved freedom more or loved him more.
Thinking back to how Mu Jin had just looked so eager to stop him, Wen Renhong eventually nodded. Since his beloved refused, then so be it. After all, once Wen Renda died, the world would be his sooner or later.
He knew Mu Jin had always been considering him, but he still couldn’t completely let go. Under heaven, who wouldn’t be king? When the time came for him to take full control, even if Mu Jin wanted to leave, he would never escape from his grasp.
Knowing that Mu Jin’s injuries were almost completely healed, with only surface wounds remaining, Wen Renhong thought that perhaps being a bit more careful wouldn’t really hurt him.
Reaching out gently to caress the youth’s cheek, Wen Renhong kissed him softly on the lips and whispered to him, “Xiao Jin, are you willing to be with me?”
Mu Jin was momentarily stunned by the question but quickly nodded. This was his beloved; of course, he was willing. He just hadn’t expected his lover to suddenly ask him such a question.
But little did Mu Jin know that his momentary hesitation had already been interpreted by Wen Renhong as a sign of reluctance. Though Wen Renhong’s eyes darkened for a moment, his face showed an extremely gentle smile as he said to Mu Jin, “I understand. Since Xiao Jin insists that I refrain from harming Wen Renda, then I will reluctantly endure it for your sake. But, Xiao Jin, you misspoke just now. Are you prepared to be punished?”
Mu Jin was a bit bewildered this time because he didn’t feel like anything he said or did just now was wrong.
But soon enough, the man in front of him gave him an answer. With a smiling face, Wen Renhong said, “Didn’t we agree to call me husband when we’re together? Why are you still calling me master and referring to yourself as my subordinate? Xiao Jin, you’re being naughty.”
“Subordinate, no, I, I know I was wrong.” Mu Jin saw the hint of dominance in his lover’s gaze and couldn’t help but swallow nervously. He felt as if his lover, in his current approaching manner, was about to devour him alive.
So, even though Mu Jin admitted his mistake, the man opposite him didn’t intend to let him off. Wen Renhong’s smile became even gentler, making Mu Jin’s hair stand on end.
A gentle kiss fell, and his lover embraced him tightly, peppering his face with kisses. As the belt around his waist was undone, Mu Jin suddenly opened his eyes, realizing belatedly that his lover’s mentioned punishment was actually this.
As the canopy descended, Wen Renhong felt as if he had used up all his patience in this moment, treating the young man in front of him with extreme tenderness. This was the person he deeply loved. Although he knew his current actions were somewhat despicable, he couldn’t wait to establish an even closer connection with Mu Jin.
Because Mu Jin still had some injuries, Wen Renhong didn’t go all the way. In fact, he didn’t even pay attention to himself throughout the entire process; he was there solely for Mu Jin’s sake.
Afterward, as Mu Jin looked at his blushing lover tightly embracing him, although the recent events had brought him pleasure, he couldn’t help but sense a hint of danger from his lover’s body.
When the two of them finally settled down, although Mu Jin kept his eyes closed, he was still keenly aware of his surroundings. As expected, Wen Renhong got up and left the room at midnight.
Although 003 couldn’t track where he went, it could monitor the movements of the secret chamber. After confirming that those who had been lurking around the palace were recalled, Mu Jin finally breathed a sigh of relief.
However, what Mu Jin didn’t know was that after Wen Renhong canceled the nighttime attack on the palace, he stood outside a courtyard, whispering to a thin figure dressed in black.
“Master, do you really intend to do this? You could have just ordered Shadow Eleven…”
“Ye Ran, you usually don’t speak unnecessarily,” the man said upon hearing the other’s words, frowning slightly and replying in a cold voice.
The black-clad individual was taken aback and quickly bowed respectfully to Wen Renhong before swiftly leaving the area.
However, once the person had left, Wen Renhong’s expression grew dark as he stared into the pitch-black night, thinking to himself: Of course, I could just order him, but I want his heart!
The day after tomorrow was Mid-Autumn Festival, and the palace had already sent word that they would be hosting a banquet, with a special invitation for Wen Renhong to attend. In the emperor’s message, it was implied that Wen Renhong would be commended for his role in overseeing flood relief efforts in Jiangnan.
In a short period of time, many rumors had circulated around the capital about Wen Renhong. The public began to spread stories about how this “Prince Zhong” wasn’t as simple-minded as he appeared but was actually quite wise and benevolent.
Not only did he handle flood relief with personal involvement, making decisions on behalf of the disaster victims, but it was also revealed that the largest porridge distribution site on the outskirts of the capital was actually funded by him. Additionally, it was discovered that every year, Wen Renhong had also been secretly contributing to the charity work of Guang Han Temple.
Two years ago, when the northwest region suffered a drought, the nationwide Fuyuan Lou restaurant chain made significant donations, and rumors had it that this famous restaurant chain also belonged to Wen Renhong.
It turned out that while everyone was secretly mocking this supposedly incompetent prince, he was quietly doing many good deeds, silently benefiting people across various regions.
The public couldn’t help but admire him, thinking of Wen Renhong as a broad-minded man who cared little for fame. They grew to respect him more, even bestowing upon him the title of “Wise Prince.”
Wen Renda, the emperor, also received these reports, never realizing that Wen Renhong had hidden his true intentions so well. He was utterly shocked.
Especially since the people he had sent to assassinate Wen Renhong during the journey to Jiangnan had all disappeared without a trace, and no information had returned from them. It was likely that these people had already lost their lives.
Since direct action had failed, the emperor had to consider a softer approach, finding a way to insert his people close to Wen Renhong. Recalling that Wen Renhong had mentioned having a heart’s desire, and that this heart’s desire seemed to be a ge’er1, he decided to proceed differently.
Moreover, the spies he had sent to Jiangnan had reported that Wen Renhong often traveled with a handsome young man, who seemed unusually close to him, indicating a deeper relationship.
Thus, the emperor thought that if he couldn’t use the noble ladies to influence Wen Renhong, perhaps he could try appealing to his supposed tastes. After all, Wen Renhong was known for his love of indulgence, and he believed that with an attractive enough companion, Wen Renhong couldn’t possibly resist temptation.
He arranged for a stunningly beautiful ge’er to be presented to him, one with captivating features. This ge’er was a poor orphan from a village, sold into servitude by his relatives, and had eventually ended up in the capital’s Feixing Lou, where he had been groomed and trained but had never publicly appeared.
The emperor took great care in grooming and presenting this ge’er, even having him adopted as an illegitimate son by Anping Marquis to give him a legitimate background. The plan was to have him play a key role in the upcoming Mid-Autumn banquet.
Thus, during the banquet, Mu Jin noticed a beautiful ge’er with eyes like water and a face like a blooming peach, subtly watching Wen Renhong with shy glances.
Mu Jin raised an eyebrow at this but didn’t react too much; after all, with his lover’s position and power, many noble sons and daughters might seek his attention. However, the new ge’er seemed exceptionally bold with his gaze, which was undeniably direct.
Mu Jin enjoyed the fruit in front of him but felt a bit puzzled. Despite having healed from his injuries, Wen Renhong had insisted that he rest and didn’t allow him to follow him around. Yet today, his lover had invited him to the palace banquet and even carefully selected his outfit. Today, Mu Jin wasn’t dressed in his usual martial attire but wore a simple blue robe, giving him a more gentle and delicate appearance.
Wen Renhong had explained to the emperor that Mu Jin had played a crucial role in developing the medicine to combat the epidemic in Jiangnan, stating that his success in handling the disaster was largely due to Mu Jin’s assistance.
Mu Jin received some praise from the emperor, although he preferred to avoid the limelight. But since his lover insisted, he gladly stayed by his side.
However, as the banquet continued, Mu Jin noticed that the event wasn’t just a simple Mid-Autumn celebration; many nobles had brought their families, and things seemed to be taking a different turn.
Note :
- In Chinese culture, “哥儿” (gē’er) is a term historically used to refer to young men with feminine characteristics ↩︎