Chapter 3: A Harsh Reckoning for Yin Mei
“Forgive him?” Chu Lianmo sneered coldly. “I’ve explicitly forbidden all intrigue in the mansion, yet you acted so brazenly! You like stripping people, don’t you? Bring him out, remove his clothes, and give him fifty lashes!”
“Your Highness! Mercy, Your Highness!”
Yin Mei’s face turned ashen.
Fifty lashes would be fatal for a frail, non-martial-arts man like him.
And the words “remove his clothes” were equally terrifying. Although he came from a brothel, he was a clean performer, not a prostitute; his reputation mattered.
However, Yin Mei’s pleas were in vain. Two burly guards dragged him away. One roughly tore his clothes, stripping him naked and forcing him to kneel in the courtyard; the other raised the whip, lashing down on his back and buttocks.
Since Chu Lianmo had ordered a “severe beating,” the guards showed no mercy. Each lash drew blood. After less than ten lashes, Yin Mei’s once smooth skin was bloody and mangled.
If it weren’t for the risk of killing him, Chu Lianmo wouldn’t have hesitated to add more lashes.
Ignoring Yin Mei’s screams, Chu Lianmo ordered the guards to gag him, then turned his softened gaze to Qi Xiaojun. “You’ve suffered. Are you satisfied with my judgment?”
“Thank you, Your Highness, for your justice.”
Actually, Qi Xiaojun hadn’t personally suffered much. But since he occupied Zhou Jun’s body, he felt it was right to avenge him.
Poor Zhou Jun likely died during that fever, allowing Qi Xiaojun’s soul to possess his body. He could be considered a victim of Yin Mei.
Chu Lianmo gazed at Qi Xiaojun, who expressed gratitude yet remained calm, a hint of pride in his eyes. Chu Lianmo softly called out, “Ajun…you seem truly different from before.”
His tone wasn’t accusatory but rather admiring.
Qi Xiaojun’s heart throbbed at the tender “Ajun.”
He knew Chu Lianmo was addressing Zhou Jun, yet his father, mother, and elder brother had called him that.
His mother was gone, and his father and brother were now distant, unlikely ever to meet again.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Qi Xiaojun’s eyes welled up.
“Ajun, what’s wrong?” Chu Lianmo noticed the change in his emotions. “I didn’t mean to say anything negative. It’s late; let’s rest.”
Chu Lianmo sat down on the bed.
…Qi Xiaojun suddenly realized a serious problem—as Chu Lianmo’s concubine, he might have to…you know…
Even in another body, he absolutely refused!
Chu Lianmo spread his arms.
…What? A hug?
“What are you waiting for? Undress me.”
Oh, just undressing.
Relieved, Qi Xiaojun stepped forward to untie Chu Lianmo’s belt.
He could do it, but he felt resentful—he was a prince, always served by attendants; he had never undressed anyone else.
Chu Lianmo, why?
However, revealing his identity in Chu would put him in danger, so he endured the humiliation.
Despite his resentment, Qi Xiaojun’s movements were practiced. Royal attire was complex, but he had worn it his whole life.
“You’re even more skilled at undressing than before,” Chu Lianmo smiled faintly, teasing him. “I remember how nervous and clumsy you were the first time…Have you been secretly practicing?”
Qi Xiaojun mentally scoffed, Who would practice this for you?
Yet, a sweetness unfamiliar to him surged through him.
He realized Zhou Jun had been in love with Chu Lianmo.
Alas, Chu Lianmo was a promiscuous heartbreaker; anyone who loved him was destined for disappointment.
Indeed, there wasn’t a single decent person in Chu.
Qi Xiaojun had finished undressing Chu Lianmo.
Chu Lianmo, in his undergarments, got into bed and blew out the candle.
Qi Xiaojun sighed with relief. He wouldn’t have to…
Searching Zhou Jun’s memories, he discovered that Chu Lianmo had never been intimate with him. Zhou Jun felt Chu Lianmo was disgusted by him, which caused him great depression.
Qi Xiaojun found this perfectly fine.
But the question remained—why would Chu Lianmo take someone into his household if he didn’t touch them?
Truly, the people of Chu were strange.
Feeling Chu Lianmo’s warmth and breath, Qi Xiaojun felt awkward. He wasn’t used to being so close to someone.
However, his body was weak and recovering from an illness; Qi Xiaojun eventually fell asleep.
The next morning, at Mao time (around 5 am), he woke up.
As a prince, he’d always attended court at Mao time.
When he awoke, Chu Lianmo was already getting dressed, assisted by a maidservant.
Seeing Qi Xiaojun sit up, he said, “Ajun, won’t you sleep a little longer?”
Indeed, Zhou Jun had no responsibilities and usually woke later.
But Qi Xiaojun wouldn’t change his habits. He started to dress. “I’m awake. Sleeping more wouldn’t help.”
“As you wish. I have to attend to matters of state.” Chu Lianmo got up to leave.
It happened to be a rest day in Chu, when court wasn’t held. But Chu Lianmo was diligent and would work in his study on rest days if he had no other engagements.
Qi Xiaojun, however, felt a wave of sadness thinking that he couldn’t participate in politics and was stuck doing nothing. His status as a member of Prince Rui’s household likely restricted his movement.
“Your Highness…” he tentatively called out to Chu Lianmo. “May I go out for a walk?”
Chu Lianmo paused, turning back to look at Qi Xiaojun with a questioning gaze. “You…didn’t seem to like going out before.”
“…Yes, but I am a man,” Qi Xiaojun pondered how to avoid exposing his true identity. “Being confined for so long is quite stifling.”
“Inform Steward Zhang if you wish to go out.” Chu Lianmo didn’t press further.
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Qi Xiaojun breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Prince Rui’s mansion wasn’t overly strict with its concubines.
“Speaking of which, I don’t have to attend court today,” Chu Lianmo said, as if struck by an idea, fixing his eyes on Qi Xiaojun. “How about I accompany you for a walk?”
“…?!” Qi Xiaojun was startled.
He wanted to say, Absolutely not!
But as Zhou Jun, he couldn’t.
Qi Xiaojun could only manage, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness.”
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