Chapter 29 His voice had a strange, hoarse quality. ...

Ji Chengning was struck dumb, sliding smoothly down and immediately banging his head on the ground.

Upon seeing this, the emperor's expression darkened slightly. "What is it?"

His voice still held a hint of amusement, yet it exuded the dignified authority of someone long accustomed to a position of power, one that could not be overstepped or questioned.

“Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your kindness,” Ji Chengnin said, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously. “However, I am frivolous by nature and incapable of accomplishing great things. Princess Kejing is of noble birth, and I am truly unworthy of her. I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree.”

The emperor calmly gave an "oh".

A drop of moisture seeped from his forehead. Ji Chengnin's thoughts raced, and he blurted out, "Moreover, I have a hidden illness that I fear might delay the princess's life."

"What hidden ailment?"

Ji Chengning cautiously raised his eyes. The young man had just finished crying, and his eyelids were still red. Looking at him from below made him appear even more pitiful. "I cannot speak plainly."

Their eyes met.

Ji Chengnin suddenly turned his head away in extreme embarrassment, and his language became vulgar again.

The emperor suddenly understood what Ji Chengnin's so-called hidden illness was all about.

For a moment, even the emperor was speechless. "But I've heard that the young marquis is surrounded by beauties, and your reputation for being a womanizer is known even in the harem!"

Ji Chengnin's ears turned bright red. "It is precisely because I am ill that..." he said vaguely.

But the emperor was well aware of the unspoken meaning—it was because the young marquis was impotent that a bunch of beauties were brought in to save face.

The emperor's slight anger vanished instantly. He hesitated, then looked at Ji Chengnin with a hint of pity. However, he thought to himself, "This child has always been audacious. It's not impossible that he might lie to avoid being betrothed."

Seeing that the emperor remained silent, Ji Chengnin added with utmost sincerity, "If Your Majesty doubts me, you may request the Imperial Physician to examine me on the spot. However," he said with an even more pitiful expression, "this matter is too shameful. Could you please ask Your Majesty not to reveal it to outsiders?"

Despite the difficulty, they still trusted their elders implicitly.

The emperor's expression softened slightly, and he gently scolded, "Nonsense! Is the Imperial Study a place for you to undress?"

Ji Chengnin's dark eyes glistened with tears, looking quite aggrieved.

"Enough, enough," the emperor waved his hand, then suddenly remembered that the last time he felt so helpless was when he was facing Ji Lin, and felt even more helpless. He sighed, "Since that's the case, I'll have the Imperial Physician prescribe some tonics for you."

Ji Chengnin nodded obediently.

The emperor had a headache. "You may leave."

Ji Chengnin lowered his head and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I shall take my leave."

As soon as the young marquis stepped out of his study, the tinkling of his jade pendants and the clanging of his hair ornaments against his headdress created a melodious sound, like water droplets falling on a stone.

He looked over.

Princess Rongxi, dressed in solemn palace attire, walked briskly towards them.

He greeted her, "Your Highness."

Rong Xi smiled and said, stepping past Ji Chengning, "Eunuch Qin, you are too polite. Please get up."

All the eunuchs stood up, leaving only Ji Chengnin standing there with his head bowed. The sunlight cast a shadow perfectly on the young man's face.

Just like Rongxi's current mood.

Her son is no good, but she has his own way of raising him. What is Ji Chengning anyway? He's just the son of an earl, a nobody official who's just using His Majesty's power to bully others. How dare he interfere?

Moreover, her son had done nothing wrong. He had taken the initiative to host a banquet for Ji Chengning out of kindness, but he was beaten up. Even if Rong Xi were a clay figure, she would not swallow this insult!

Rong Xi was about to brush past Ji Chengning when she seemed to suddenly notice him and slowed her pace. "I would not have bothered with what you did, but since you are my junior, I would like to give you a piece of advice: everything in excess is as bad as deficiency. Be careful not to end up isolated and abandoned by everyone and die a bad end."

Ji Chengnin's posture became even more respectful. "Thank you for your teachings, Your Highness." He raised his eyes with a smile. "However, I was promoted by His Majesty. I don't understand Your Highness's words about not having a good end. Please enlighten me."

Is this saying that His Majesty is intolerant of people, and that once the birds are all gone, the bow is put away, and all close ministers, favored ministers, and meritorious ministers will meet a bad end?

Rong Xi then realized that she had said the wrong thing. Her face turned pale, and she sneered, "I will not argue with you. You'd better watch yourself."

After speaking, he flicked his sleeves and strode towards the study.

Ji Chengnin snorted.

Qin Min chuckled and said, "Young Marquis, this servant will see you out."

"No need to trouble yourself, Father-in-law."

After saying that, he left on his own.

Before Ji Chengnin returned to his residence, His Majesty's decree had already arrived.

As he wished, the emperor dealt with Mei Xuewu, Luo Xingzhi, Lu Xun and others, expelling them from Qinglu Guard. Furthermore, because their families had failed to properly educate their children, the emperor was greatly angered and simply forbade these families from sending their children to Qinglu Guard for twenty years.

Mei Xuewu, as the mastermind, was ordered by the emperor to be confined to her quarters for self-reflection.

After learning about this, Ji Chengning boasted to Cui Yao about his heroic deeds, how he had beaten Mei Xuewu to a pulp, how he had foresight, and how he had been eloquent and persuasive when he met the emperor, achieving the result he wanted.

Cui Yao looked at him. The young marquis tried his best to hide his smugness, but he couldn't hide his true feelings at all. If he had a tail, it would be wagging in Cui Yao's face by now.

As he poured tea for Ji Chengning, he praised him softly, "Your Highness is so intelligent that no one else can match you."

Ji Chengning proudly raised his chin.

Cui Yao placed the tea in front of him and said softly, "But what happens after that?"

"After that?" Ji Chengnin looked at Cui Yao in confusion. "After what?"

Cui Yao understood. As far as Ji Chengning was concerned, the matter was over, so there was no "aftermath".

His gaze silently crept onto Ji Chengnin's face.

He still carries the blood of the Marquis of Yongning in his veins. He is ruthless, decisive, and audacious by nature. However, he has been pampered for too long, and the wealth and luxury of his family have worn away his fierceness. Therefore, he also has a touch of naivety in his dealings with others.

He thought the matter was over, but many of the family descendants were banned from sending their children to Qingluwei for twenty years, and very few could inherit the title. The imperial examination required real talent and learning, which was even more difficult for them. The only path that was within their grasp and that they could hope to gain favor with the emperor was cut off by Ji Chengning. How could they not resent it?

They dared not resent the emperor, but dared to point the finger at Ji Chengnin, who had been making constant moves since entering officialdom, had a very mediocre reputation, and had no cronies, protégés, or old friends.

Cui Yao's eyes darkened, and after a few moments of contemplation, she was about to offer a reminder when she saw Ji Chengnin's expression of sudden realization.

Not too stupid.

Cui Yao actually felt a sense of relief.

Ji Chengnin slapped his forehead. "I remember now. His Majesty later bestowed a marriage upon me and Princess Kejing."

"Click!"

The teacup collided with the table.

Ji Chengnin looked at him, puzzled.

Cui Yao smiled slightly, "Please continue."

With an extremely affectionate tone, these three words, after being chewed by Cousin Cui's sharp teeth, were almost ground into powder and scattered out.

After speaking, he picked up his teacup and took a sip.

The hot tea only added to my irritability.

Ji Chengnin hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Wasn't the tea poured for him?

But since his cousin looked very thirsty, Ji Chengnin didn't ask any further questions. "His Majesty said that the princess and I are about the same age and our personalities complement each other, so we might be a good match."

Fortunately, the teacup provided some cover-up; otherwise, Ji Chengning would have seen the chilling smile on his usually gentle and mild-mannered cousin's lips.

Cui Yao seemed to realize her lapse in composure, gently setting down her teacup, her voice becoming even more tender, "Has the Crown Prince agreed?"

Ji Chengning was bored out of his mind. Seeing his cousin staring at him intently, he couldn't help but tease her. "Why shouldn't I accept? It's such a glorious thing to be married by the Emperor. Besides, Princess Kejing is perfect in every way. It would be a great honor for the princess to marry me and for me to be of high status," he said with a smile in his peach blossom eyes. "Moreover, marrying the princess would be more beneficial to my career."

As Ji Chengnin said, he really had no reason to refuse, especially since the emperor was interested, so how could he refuse?

Cui Yao only heard a loud bang in his ears. He seemed not to have heard what Ji Chengning said, and even showed a look of confusion on his face.

If Ji Chengning were to marry—it's not impossible, given Ji Chengning's unruly nature, if he truly didn't want to do something, he wouldn't do it even if a knife were held to his throat. But after all, it was a marriage bestowed by the emperor, and Ji Chengning cherishes Ji Lin greatly. Even... only the most observant person could see the true look in Ji Chengning's eyes.

The young marquis's eyes crinkled with a smile, a mischievous glint in them.

Cui Yao felt a sudden sense of relief.

Ji Chengning was joking.

Cui Yao's mind had been racing with thoughts, but now, as she relaxed for a moment, she suddenly felt a sense of relief at having escaped death.

Whether it's true or false, he thought indifferently, it's none of his business.

Why would he care about such a trivial matter?

Cui Yao smiled and continued, following Ji Chengnin's words, "In that case, if you marry the Crown Prince, wouldn't the young master's career be smoother?"

Since it was just a joke, Ji Chengnin didn't care at all. He pretended to think and pondered, "There is no crown prince in this dynasty." As far as he knew, there used to be a crown prince. After the death of the crown prince, the late emperor was so grief-stricken that he appointed a crown prince instead. Unfortunately, the young crown prince was weak and sickly and passed away before he was five years old. "The crown prince..." His eyes lit up. "Ayao, what you said makes sense."

Cui Yao: "...Hmm?"

How is that reasonable?

Ji Chengning clapped his hands, as if the clouds had parted and the sun had shone through, and suddenly understood. "You are absolutely right. I will go see him tomorrow, I will go see His Highness the Crown Prince, and tell him that I do not want to be the steward of the Eastern Palace, I want to be the Crown Princess!"

Cui Yao's face was expressionless.

What's so good about Zhou Yu? He's indecisive, hypocritical, and a fake benevolent person. Yet Ji Chengning is actually willing to become the Crown Princess.

But upon further reflection, Cui Yao realized that he meant she wanted to be the Crown Princess, not that she wanted to marry Zhou Yu, and her emotions calmed down somewhat.

Seeing Cui Yao's pupils tighten as if pricked, Ji Chengning thought he had finally fooled his cousin and felt even more pleased.

The canine tooth dug into her lip, causing half of her face to go numb with pain. But Cui Yao felt her reason finally return, and she forced a smile, saying softly, "Then when His Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne, you will be a great benefactor."

Ji Chengning was shocked and, faster than he could think, quickly swung his hand at Cui Yao's face.

Cui Yao remained motionless.

Quietly wait for the other party's reaction of surprise and anger.

But that hand brushed heavily against his lips twice, as if dusting off some dirt. "I dare not speak ill of my cousin," Ji Chengnin whispered. "That would be a great disrespect."

Ji Chengning was full of energy and always felt hot.

Even though their skin wasn't touching, Cui Yao felt a warmth enveloping her lips.

His eye twitched very slightly.

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness."

His voice had a strange hoarseness.

After a few moments of silence, he changed the subject, "Your Highness is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor, so I shouldn't say anything more." He seemed to realize that he had drunk the tea he had poured for Ji Chengning, and his expression froze for a second. He got up, poured another cup, and placed it in front of Ji Chengning. "However, we should be mindful of potential dangers even in times of peace. In my humble opinion, if Your Highness relies solely on the Emperor's favor to establish yourself, it may be somewhat unstable."

Ji Chengnin wholeheartedly agreed.

In fact, Cui Yao's words were too euphemistic. It was not just unstable; he had no foundation and relied solely on the emperor's likes and dislikes to become an official. People's hearts are fickle, and the emperor's will is even more unpredictable. The emperor could elevate him to a high position today, but could also make him fall hard tomorrow if he were to abandon him.

However, Ji Chengning was surprised that his cousin had such insight. If she could only stay in the mansion and be confined to the inner quarters after marriage, it would be a pity.

When the Marquis of Yongning was in charge of the army, there were female soldiers, known as Luanyi. The highest-ranking one of them was the third rank. For this, the Marquis of Yongning was impeached by the censor for several years. It was said that he recruited female soldiers to indulge his lust. They were called soldiers, but in reality, they were military prostitutes. The Marquis of Yongning beat her in court when he returned to the capital at the end of the year to report on his duties.

After that, the Marquis of Yongning and the Censorate became bitter enemies.

It is evident that their family had a poor relationship with the censors, despite their profound family learning.

The following year, when the army marched south of the Gobi Desert, the Luanyi Guards were the first to scale the walls. The Marquis of Yongning submitted a memorial requesting a reward for the Luanyi Guards, but was impeached by the Censorate. This time, the accusations were that the Luanyi Guards were causing trouble for the court and disturbing the peace of women in their homes.

When the Marquis of Yongning returned to the capital, he beat up the censor who had impeached him.

Unfortunately, the Luanyi Army was quickly disbanded after the death of the Marquis of Yongning, and to this day, few people know about it.

Knowing that there are women like this in the world, who have also trod the battlefield, fought bloody battles, and made great contributions to the country.

pity……

Ji Chengning's long eyelashes drooped slightly.

The next moment, he gave a nonchalant smile. “A-Yao is absolutely right, but,” he pointed to his face, “I am, after all, a relative of the imperial family.”

They rose to prominence by relying on the emperor's favor, and fell from grace because of the emperor's dislike.

That's all.

He knew it perfectly well.

Ji Chengnin said this without any shame, but rather with a hint of pride.

His eyes shone brightly, and he was so radiant that you wanted to pinch his chin.

Cui Yao stared at him intently.

Ji Chengnin stared back at him, completely oblivious.

The latter had two pale-colored eyes, which, though clear, were not particularly bright, and had slight bloodshot streaks.

It looks very much like a jade disc covered with a layer of dim light.

Ji Chengning was taken aback, then his eyes crinkled into a smile.

She is truly a beauty; every feature of her face is perfectly proportioned.

Cui Yao suddenly turned her face.

Ji Chengnin never hid his submission to imperial power. As long as there was enough power, he could be made to willingly submit to it, and even do... more outrageous things.

At that time, Ji Chengning will only be able to endure it unbearably and be forced to, suffering greatly, yet trying his best to suppress himself, unable to resist.

Cui Yao picked up the teacup and drank the remaining tea in one gulp.

Ji Chengnin stood right in front of him, smiling radiantly, untouched by any worldly concerns, showing no intention of seduction whatsoever.

In the brief moment that Ji Chengnin was unaware of, a gaze swept swiftly over his entire body, dark and viscous, like a swamp.

"Ah Yao," Ji Chengnin suddenly spoke up. He saw Cui Yao give him a gentle and harmless smile and said softly, "Have I ever told you that you look very good in men's clothing?"

Bang, bang, bang.

here we go again.

That tremor, like the instant a musket explodes, came again.

Cui Yao stared at him and slowly shook her head. "I rarely wear men's clothing."

Aside from the young marquis's habitual use of sweet talk to deceive him, no one had ever praised his appearance as decent.

Ji Chengnin nodded and replied, "Cousin, living in the Marquis's mansion for so long, do you find it boring?"

"If Your Highness has any instructions, please speak them clearly. If I can do it, I will gladly die for it."

Ji Chengnin touched his nose. "I have a favor to ask."

Cui Yao smiled and said, "Please speak, Your Highness."

“I patrol all day long, and I inevitably encounter some tricky things. My cousin is quite insightful. If she could be by my side to help me, it would greatly relieve my worries.”

Ji Chengnin finished speaking in one breath.

Cui Yao's first reaction upon hearing this was that his fickle prince was starting to doubt him again, or that he was using the same old trick to tease him.

However, when their eyes met, Ji Chengnin's gaze was clear and gave people a very sincere feeling.

Cui Yao was taken aback.

He was astonished to discover that Ji Chengnin was actually serious.

Seeing that he remained silent, Ji Chengnin, unusually anxious, immediately explained, "If my cousin is unwilling, then pretend I never mentioned this. It was my presumption, cousin, please don't..."

Don't listen anymore.

When Young Master Ji is in a hurry, he speaks faster than usual, and his elisions become slightly sticky, making him sound very sweet and gentle.

It was like some kind of deliberate seduction.

Don't listen anymore.

Cui Yao thought.

Reject him.

Accepting this offer you absolutely no benefit. On the contrary, spending a long time with Ji Chengning will make it easier for you to expose your weaknesses. Moreover, his identity is mysterious, so you must appear in public as little as possible.

They weighed the pros and cons, calculating every single detail clearly.

Cui Yao said, "Okay."