Chapter 66 But those vile thoughts were like a bewitching spell…
The silk handkerchief was damp, its texture moist and cool, and it was covered in sticky liquid. It was pressed firmly against his lips, making Ji Chengning frown awkwardly.
“Ah Yao”.
His voice was hoarse from the heat.
Cui Yao lowered his head, his soft black hair brushing against the skin on the back of his neck, one of the most vulnerable parts of the human body. The young general instinctively flinched. Cui Yao said softly, "Yes."
Ji Chengnin felt uncomfortable being held by him.
It wasn't exactly uncomfortable, because to be fair, Cui Yao's strength was just right, maintaining a balance that helped him keep his balance while preventing him from breaking free. She only wrapped her arms around his waist, without even placing her fingers on him. It was more like, strange.
It's just weird.
It was already improper for him to be hugged so intimately and tightly by his cousin, not to mention, when he suddenly realized, why was it his cousin hugging him?
He was a tall, imposing man; no matter what, he shouldn't have been comforted in his cousin's arms. Ji Chengnin's thoughts paused, and he slowly turned his head.
Cui Yao's exquisite and beautiful features were right in front of me.
However, Ji Chengning immediately realized something was wrong. He discovered that even though he was curled up because of an upset stomach and looked shorter than usual, he shouldn't have to look up to make eye contact with his cousin.
Perhaps because Cui Yao always kept her head slightly bowed and stood three steps away from him, he had never noticed her before.
He was at least eight feet tall!
Ji Chengnin blurted out, "Cousin, when did you grow so tall?"
Cui Yao was stunned for half a second.
Before Ji Chengning turned around, he had already mentally rehearsed the answer countless times. If the prince asked him why he was there, he would say that he had drunk a few too many wines at the banquet and felt hot, so he came out to get some fresh air. If the prince wondered why he was so close to him, he would gently explain that he had seen the prince and seemed to be unwell, and his concern made him lose his composure. He hoped the prince would not blame him.
Unexpectedly, Ji Chengning asked him how he grew so tall.
Even Cui Yao found it somewhat absurd.
A heartless little... no, a seemingly heartless little dog.
Her mind raced, and Cui Yao asked doubtfully, "Really?"
Ji Chengnin nodded vigorously twice.
have!
Young Master Ji doesn't care about many things, but his height is of utmost importance.
A hint of sorrow flickered in his eyes as he looked at Cui Yao.
He had just spat out some light wine, and the corners of his eyes were reddish. His clear pupils were shrouded in water, rippling like two round peach petals.
Cui Yao felt as if someone had lightly but firmly poked her heart with the tip of a fingernail; it felt soft, itchy, and tender.
"I..." He heard himself start to speak, then immediately realized what he was doing and coughed lightly, "The padding."
Ji Chengnin: "Hmm?"
Cui Yao's tone was extremely sincere, "I'm currently dressed as a man, serving by the Crown Prince's side. Being tall and strong makes me look presentable," for some reason, he suddenly coughed, "and maintains the dignity of the court. My height, my shoulders, I've stuffed things in." He casually took Ji Chengning's hand, "Would the Crown Prince like to touch it?"
Ji Chengnin: "...No need."
When Cui Yao said that, Ji Chengning took a second look. She had broad shoulders and, while not exactly muscular, was definitely not weak. He wondered what his cousin had stuffed into her clothes to make it look so natural.
Cui Yao hummed in agreement.
His posture was compliant, but Ji Chengning inexplicably sensed that he was somewhat disappointed.
What's disappointing? I'm disappointed that he didn't even touch him!
Ji Chengning subconsciously took a half step back, but his cousin's arm was still stubbornly wrapped around his waist, adjusting its angle as he moved.
Summer clothes are thin, and the two are only separated by two layers of clothing. The bulging muscles of his arms press tightly against his waist, which is a bit uncomfortable.
“I just heard you cough twice,” Ji Chengning said, trapped between the pillar and Cui Yao. In front of him was his cousin’s beautiful face, which looked ghostly in the night, and behind him was the unshakeable mahogany pillar. His breath tickled his lips, making the back of his neck tingle. “Did you catch a cold?”
Cui Yao smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."
Her slender, willow-leaf-shaped eyes curved upwards, their pale color slightly veiled by her eyelids, revealing a glimmer of clear light.
It was unbelievably beautiful, like a venomous snake with eerily bright colors, its eyes half-closed, feigning sleep to lure its prey forward.
Then, he bit down on that stupid thing's throat.
Ji Chengning reached out and covered Cui Yao's eyes.
Beneath his palm, Ji Chengning could feel the curve of Cui Yao's eyes, which was definitely not anger or confusion from being suddenly touched.
"Don't look at me like that," Ji Chengnin said unreasonably.
Cui Yao chuckled, "Is it okay to look at other people like that?"
Ji Chengnin was puzzled, "If you like watching it, then go ahead and watch it."
Cui Yao's smile froze for a moment.
Ji Chengning didn't notice the subtle movement and suddenly smiled, "If anyone prevents A-Yao from seeing, and A-Yao still wants to see, just tell me, and the young marquis will tie him up and bring him to you."
Cui Yao raised her hand.
Ji Chengning was about to remove it when he felt a chill on his wrist.
Cui Yao grasped his wrist, forcing him to touch his eyes in this position.
The aroma instantly intensifies.
The fabric rubbed together, making a rustling sound.
Cui Yao suddenly closed the distance between them.
His thin, scarlet lips curved upwards. "Your Highness, remember what I said today."
Ji Chengning said, "As long as my cousin doesn't forget, I won't forget either."
Cui Yao smiled.
The voice, though soft and melodious, carried a hint of gritted teeth: "Fine."
He suddenly released Ji Chengning.
Ji Chengning took the opportunity to let go.
He leaned back against the pillar, "A-Yao."
Cui Yao looked at him.
Thank you.
It was already dark, and the candlelight in the courtyard was dim. With the gentle breeze, the hazy and disordered light and shadows fell on Cui Yao's face.
His pupils, which had been dilated during the day, suddenly contracted.
As if bewitched, her gaze fell upon Ji Chengnin's broken, still slightly damp lips, and then she abruptly looked away.
Despite her disheveled state, having just been held tightly in his arms, she still managed to thank him after regaining her senses.
They look incredibly easy to bully.
Even knowing how troublesome Young Master Ji was, Cui Yao couldn't help but feel a subtle resentment rising within him. He had never suffered a loss because of his good skills and family background, and he was almost entirely trusting. If it weren't him coming now, but someone like Li Bi, or some other disloyal dog, would the young master have let them...?
Cui Yao remained expressionless, forcing herself not to think about it too deeply.
But those vile thoughts clung to him like a demon, refusing to leave, and growing ever stronger.
“I share weal and woe with the Crown Prince,” Cui Yao coughed again when he heard his voice sound strange. “The Crown Prince need not thank me.”
Ji Chengnin laughed.
Cui Yao stared at him without blinking.
But he stopped laughing immediately.
He lowered his eyes. "Before I left the capital, I thought that the peasant uprising in Luanyang might not be as simple as Chen Chong's memorial described. The former Crown Prince's old subordinates instigated the riots. Hmph," Ji Chengnin sneered. "The former Crown Prince never left the capital from birth to death. Ah Yao, although the Ji family is not a high-ranking family, we have a close relationship with the royal family. Even I know nothing about the former Crown Prince. How could the people in such a remote place respond to a so-called call from his old subordinates? There must be a reason."
Cui Yao nodded and said softly, "The late Crown Prince Zhou Chang was of mediocre talent and left behind very few documents. As the young master said, even you don't know them. So why do the people of Luanyang respond so enthusiastically when they hear this?"
The two looked at each other, both understanding each other perfectly.
They understand better what the other person is thinking.
For a fleeting moment, Ji Chengnin felt a sense of sighing.
The assassin from his nightmares had come to life, and at first he was indeed terrified. However, as time went on, he found Cui Yao to be not only exceptionally intelligent and in sync with him, but also, and even more so, delightful to Ji Chengning.
I am overjoyed to have met such a person in this world; they are truly kindred spirits.
If the situation weren't so urgent, Ji Chengning would have even wanted to drink with Cui Yao under the moon.
He shook his head, banishing the thought of stealing a half-day of leisure from his mind, and said in a deep voice, "Chen Chong must be hiding something. I observed that Chen Chong and Zhang Wenzhi were indifferent during the banquet. Even if the two were entertaining us and could not be too indulgent, an official who, as Chen Chong said, is cautious, conscientious, and stays away from sensual pleasures should not have no reaction to this situation."
Neither was it infatuation with beauty, indulgence in wealth, nor disgust for such absurdity.
This shows that they were already used to it.
Cui Yao stood in front of Ji Chengning.
The young marquis's face was pale with a bluish tinge, like a piece of perfectly carved Qiemo jade, and there was not a trace of blood on his lips, which made Cui Yao's heart sink.
His pity for Ji Chengnin's body mingled with his escalating murderous intent. He lowered his eyes, trying his best to make his expression appear gentle.
He stood there, and Ji Chengnin leaned against him, so he naturally reached out and touched Ji Chengnin's temple.
The cool touch made Ji Chengnin's ear tips twitch.
"Ah..."
Before he could even utter a whisper of refusal, Cui Yao's voice cut him off. "When we arrived," Ji Chengnin, wanting to hear more, quickly stopped, Cui Yao's lips curled slightly, "we heard the people say that Luanyang hadn't seen rain since last year, a severe natural disaster. If the officials didn't offer any reassurance or relief, too many people would die, and morale would collapse. Then, a group of people arrived. Chen Chong said they were doing business. Luanyang isn't wealthy, and those traitors disguised as merchants might be selling goods related to people's livelihoods. They might very well be taking these goods..."
Ji Chengning interjected, "To win people's hearts and minds."
The fingers gently massaged his temples, the fingertips slightly cool but not icy, so comfortable that Ji Chengning, whose temples were throbbing, almost rubbed against Cui Yao's fingers.
Fortunately, he retained his composure and managed to restrain himself.
He awkwardly looked away. "When a person is about to die, it is only natural to waver when faced with a chance to live. Moreover, Chen Chong has not only done them no favors, but has also been the subject of their deep hatred."
Cui Yao gave a soft "hmm," her voice very gentle.
When the massage landed on Ji Chengning's ear, he instinctively wanted to dodge, but then he laughed at himself for making a fuss over nothing and let Cui Yao massage him.
“However, we don’t know much right now,” Ji Chengning said. “The situation in Luanyang is really complicated. I even doubt whether there are any so-called former subordinates of the former crown prince. Perhaps Chen Chong’s many evil deeds have aroused the people’s rebellion, and he had no choice but to find a reason to drag the former crown prince into it.”
Moreover, why the former crown prince?
Could it be that Ji Chengning's gaze sharpened, and there were also doubts or unclear questions surrounding the death of the former crown prince?
Cui Yao looked at his ever-changing expression and asked, "Young Master, what are you thinking about?"
“I,” he paused, “wasn’t thinking about anything.”
"Ouch—" An exaggerated cry interrupted the two, who turned around at the same time. "Sir, you can't just go in like that!"
Suddenly, a figure flashed in through the moon gate, followed by servants in a panic.
"General," Li Bi stopped and said urgently, "Something has happened!"
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