Chapter 38 Sober
Cen Yan was even taken aback for a moment.
Then, realizing something, he chuckled softly.
Zhuang Dongqing felt even more ashamed, "You..."
Cen Yan quickly picked up the conversation, "Of course."
They've blocked all avenues of retreat; "no reversals allowed."
Zhuang Dongqing: "..."
Zhuang Dongqing lowered her head and covered her face, feeling a burning heat in her palms, and whispered, "I haven't changed my mind."
The voice was soft and muffled, but sticky and cloying, and Cen Yan's heart felt as if it were being scratched by something.
After a moment of silence, mainly to give Zhuang Dongqing time to calm down, Cen Yan could see out of the corner of his eye that she was embarrassed, so he didn't provoke her further.
After a moment, he said, "I'm very curious."
Are you this nice to everyone?
"?" Zhuang Dongqing said, "Others aren't his other father."
“In that case,” Cen Yan lowered his eyes and smiled faintly, “it seems I’ve benefited from his influence.”
He sighed and said regretfully, "Let's do it another day. I really don't want to get up and do it today."
Zhuang Dongqing muttered under her breath, "Finally, she's admitting she's feeling unwell!"
Cen Yan stopped arguing, closed his eyes, and followed his lead, truthfully saying, "Yes, I feel unwell. I have no strength in my body, I'm dizzy, my vision is blurry, and it's hard for me to stand."
Zhuang Dongqing: "..."
I started to get anxious again, not knowing what to do with this patient.
Cen Yan looked at the top of the bed curtains and slowly spoke again: "But I feel quite happy inside."
"You're right, there are always things you can do."
And only Zhuang Dongqing could do it.
Zhuang Dongqing was a little embarrassed by the praise and lowered her head.
Cen Yan: "By the way, I've decided to keep this child."
The topic changed so quickly that Zhuang Dongqing was taken aback before she realized what was happening. "Oh, oh, oh."
"I knew there would be a lot going on these next few days, and I originally planned to talk about it properly later. But since you're not leaving anyway, and we've already talked about him, I might as well say it all at once."
"oh."
Cen Yan waited a while, but Zhuang Dongqing didn't mention anything else, and asked in surprise, "You don't seem surprised?"
Zhuang Dongqing: "Do you want to hear the truth?"
"you say."
“He’s eating and using the best things at the Prince’s Mansion, and Manager Liu is very attentive to me. I think you’ll keep him.”
Cen Yan chuckled: "...That's true."
Words can be deceiving, but actions cannot.
Zhuang Dongqing added, "Moreover, you are thorough and meticulous in your work. Even if you don't want it, you will make arrangements for us. So, from this perspective, I have nothing to worry about."
Cen Yan: "You really trust me."
Zhuang Dongqing said frankly, "I'm quite relieved. You can manage such a large group of people in the Prince's Mansion very well, let alone your blood-related child."
Cen Yan: "You..."
"Who told you what?"
Zhuang Dongqing didn't understand, "What do you mean, what are you talking about?"
"What do you mean I can arrange all those people in the Prince's mansion? Who's been gossiping and spreading rumors in front of you?"
"Oh, this? Nobody said anything," Zhuang Dongqing admitted frankly. "But I have eyes and I can see for myself."
He counted on his fingers, "First of all, you know all the guards, who is who and what they do, which shows that you care."
"Secondly, the servants in the manor all came from your fiefdom. Very few were purchased from the capital. I have talked to many of them, and none of them are dissatisfied with the manor. Everyone feels that the manor is in an awkward position and hopes to return to their fiefdom as soon as possible. Some of them have been with you in the capital all along, and some were transferred from the manor in their fiefdom. You transferred back those who were too homesick. Hmm, this arrangement is very thoughtful."
"At least you treat them all like human beings."
"Finally, there are the grandmothers. There are several elderly grandmothers in the palace. They are said to work as servants in the palace, but they are basically retired. Apart from making some pastries, tie-dyeing, and handicrafts when they remember, they don't have much to do on weekdays."
Thinking of something, Zhuang Dongqing looked back and said, "These two curtains were dyed by the grandmothers, weren't they?"
"Oh right, and the recent flower cakes were also made by the grandmas."
Cen Yan was slightly lost in thought and involuntarily closed his eyes, feeling... indescribably.
After a long pause, he spoke again, "You have a very keen eye for detail."
He wanted to gloss over it, but his hoarse voice made it sound difficult to speak.
Zhuang Dongqing: "I observed you for a while. At first, I didn't know what you were really like, so this was all I could do."
Cen Yan: "So what do you think of me?"
Zhuang Dongqing scratched his head. "Is he someone I can entrust with my work?"
"You have a stable personality and are thoughtful. Your child won't grow up badly if he/she stays with you."
Cen Yan laughed, "People outside say I'm unpredictable."
Zhuang Dongqing did not refute, but thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps, but I have seen you get angry for a reason. I have never seen you get angry for no reason."
The details were too specific, leaving Cen Yan completely speechless.
After a moment, he said slowly, "You are also very good; you will teach this child very well."
Zhuang Dongqing has a very genuine quality; she is sincere in her dealings with people and can see the most essential aspect of things, which are all rare and valuable qualities.
"I've never raised children before, but I'll do my best."
Zhuang Dongqing interrupted the conversation, "Aren't you sleepy yet? We've talked for so long, would you like some water?"
"Have a couple of sips."
After helping the person up and giving them water, Zhuang Dongqing seemed to have discovered something and said happily, "Look, I can lend you a hand here."
Cen Yan: "Yes, compared to the young master, Liu Qi is just a decoration."
"..."
Forget it, I won't argue with the patient.
After helping Cen Yan lie down, Zhuang Dongqing touched his forehead again and breathed a sigh of relief when she felt his temperature was just right.
"Are you really not going to sleep? I've been up all day." He muttered to himself.
Cen Yan: "I'm a little sleepy."
"Should I go out?"
"...Stay with me a little longer."
"Well, then don't say anything, just listen to me say something random?"
Cen Yan closed his eyes. "Okay."
Zhuang Dongqing cupped her face in her hands: "What should I say..."
"Oh, it's almost the start of summer, and a new batch of different flowers have bloomed in the little garden..."
"That braised pork knuckle was delicious, it's a pity you can't have it. Let the chef make it again when you're better..."
"The red bean paste I made last night was good, but the ingredients were too mixed, so you'll have to wait a couple of days before you can eat it. Summer's here, so we can make mung bean paste. The grandmas say that once it's cooked, we put it in the well to chill it, and then scoop it out—it'll be ice-cold! I can't wait..."
It was all about playing games and eating, which Cen Yan found amusing.
But it was precisely these mundane daily routines that made his eyelids grow heavy, and he fell asleep without realizing it.
He didn't know when Zhuang Dongqing left that day.
*
The next day, once the immune response subsides, high doses of medication can be administered.
Apply what needs to be applied, and drink what needs to be drunk.
After one day of taking the medicine, and another day later, Cen Yan's face finally regained some color.
Zhuang Dongqing had nothing much to do. Apart from eating and sleeping, she spent all her time with Cen Yan in the West Wing. Since the West Wing was the core of the Prince's Mansion, news was coming and going, and Zhuang Dongqing also overheard some of the court's affairs.
After the old emperor cleared Cen Yan's name, the censors changed their approach, shifting their focus from impeaching Cen Yan to impeaching the third prince.
There's still a lot to learn about the Third Prince...
As a result, the titles kept piling up and the matters kept getting more complicated, and for a time it seemed like there was no end in sight.
The most important matter, however, is the fate of the deposed crown prince.
With Cen Yan no longer there to shield the court from the flames, the already heated debate over the fate of the deposed crown prince has resurfaced. It is said that the officials are arguing about it every day in court, with no one willing to give in.
"Did you find the ginseng for the Third Prince?" Zhuang Dongqing asked Cen Yan.
Cen Yan shook his head, "I don't form any factions. They're just other princes' backup plans, using my situation as an excuse to step on him."
"oh."
"Why hasn't the deposed crown prince been dealt with yet?" Zhuang Dongqing asked, bewildered. "Can I ask these questions? If not, please don't answer me. I'm just curious."
Cen Yan replied casually, "There's nothing I can't ask."
"After all, he was raised by his own hands. He wanted to ruin him, but he couldn't bear to part with him. That's probably the mentality."
"But the Empress's faction will definitely be wiped out. It will happen soon once the Emperor makes up his mind, but it's none of my business."
Seeing Zhuang Dongqing tilting his head slightly to look at him, Cen Yan joked, "You've been poisoned, aren't you? You're recuperating and can't get away."
"Oh~"
Zhuang Dongqing suddenly realized that faking illness had this effect.
but……
Looking at Cen Yan's appearance, Zhuang Dongqing felt that it couldn't be entirely considered an act. The poison was real, and the discomfort was real. Being a court official... was not an easy job.
Cen Yan was recuperating when he returned to the Prince's Mansion for several days. Master Zhao first allowed Zhuang Dongqing to rest for a few days before giving him the medicine.
The medication worked fine, but there was a problem with the acupuncture.
The needle went in and Zhuang Dongqing was in excruciating pain.
After inserting three needles, Master Zhao hesitated for a moment, seeing Zhuang Dongqing's unbearable pain.
Zhuang Dongqing stubbornly insisted, "It's okay, let's continue."
Master Zhao gave her another injection. When the fourth injection was given, Zhuang Dongqing didn't cry out. She just gritted her teeth and tears streamed down her face.
Master Zhao took Zhuang Dongqing's pulse, but dared not continue. After thinking for a moment, he sent someone to invite Cen Yan.
What happened?
Cen Yan arrived quickly. As soon as he entered, he saw Zhuang Dongqing wiping away tears, her eyes and nose red.
Master Zhao recounted the whole story. Cen Yan looked at Zhuang Dongqing, pondered for a moment, and then asked him again, "What are your plans?"
Zhuang Dongqing stubbornly replied, "I still want to try again."
"OK."
Cen Yan sat down and said to Master Zhao, "Continue, let me take a look."
Master Zhao took Zhuang Dongqing's pulse again to confirm that it was safe to continue, and then picked up the needles once more.
With Cen Yan around, Zhuang Dongqing, concerned about his image, tried to endure it. However, while he could swallow his cries of pain, he couldn't hold back his tears. The second needle pricked him again, and he bit his lower lip with his upper teeth, tears streaming down his face in an instant. He looked incredibly pitiful.
Cen Yan wiped his face with a handkerchief, slowly and patiently. Zhuang Dongqing still wanted to continue. Cen Yan looked at him for a while and nodded. But he couldn't bear the pain of the next injection, and Zhuang Dongqing felt dizzy from the pain.
While she was crying, she unconsciously gripped Cen Yan's hand tightly.
Cen Yan gave Master Zhao a wink, and Master Zhao took Cen Yan's pulse again. This time he had an answer and silently shook his head at Cen Yan.
Cen Yan understood, and gently patted Zhuang Dongqing's back until he recovered before saying, "Never mind, we won't do the acupuncture."
"People can't stand it."
Zhuang Dongqing was so distressed that her mind couldn't process anything, and she subconsciously asked, "What about the toxins?"
When Master Zhao went to see Cen Yan, he saw Cen Yan wiping Zhuang Dongqing's face while calmly saying, "It hasn't flared up yet, and it's been suppressed for so many days. Let's try taking the medicine and see."
"Master Zhao's medical skills are superb. Let him go back and think about it. If acupuncture doesn't work, there must be other methods, hmm?"
Zhuang Dongqing was appeased and nodded.
Master Zhao couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his forehead.
After the two returned to the west wing, Master Zhao said with a bitter face, "Master, I have no other way but to administer acupuncture."
"Taking medicine alone won't suppress it."
Cen Yan remained calm and replied, "I know."
"I won't go back on my promise, you don't need to test me."
"Zhuang Dongqing has always been afraid of pain. He was in so much pain, have you ever thought about why he wouldn't give in?"
Master Zhao was taken aback.
Cen Yan then pointed out, "He's shy and has a thin skin. You can't expect him to take the initiative to say he needs me, can you?"
"Anyway, it's all settled, there's no other way to deal with it."
"If that's the case, then let's do whatever makes him feel better right now."
Master Zhao understood; Cen Yan was just trying to coax Zhuang Dongqing.
Two days later, Cen Yan was able to move around freely and went to the east wing for dinner.
These days, Zhuang Dongqing goes to the west wing more often, and the two often eat together. When Cen Yan comes, Zhuang Dongqing doesn't think anything of it and just invites him to sit down.
After having dinner and some tea, Zhuang Dongqing sat in the courtyard, lost in thought.
He and Cen Yan were resting in their own deck chairs when they suddenly heard a couple of insect chirps. Zhuang Dongqing asked, "Isn't it already the beginning of summer?"
Cen Yan nodded, "Yes, it'll be getting hot soon."
Zhuang Dongqing immediately said expectantly, "Then my mung bean soup will be here soon too."
As darkness fell, Cen Yan did not leave. Zhuang Dongqing returned to the inner room, and Cen Yan got up and followed him. Zhuang Dongqing was puzzled. He turned around and met Cen Yan's eyes. He realized something, stared at him for a moment, and then said nothing.
Cen Yan told Liu Fu to leave, but Zhuang Dongqing didn't dare to look at Liu Fu at all. She just lowered her head and repeated Cen Yan's words, "Well, we have something to say. You... go down."
Liu Fu has left.
While in the courtyard, Zhuang Dongqing didn't feel it, but once inside, she finally felt the heat of early summer, and her expression became unnatural.
Cen Yan noticed this and teased, "Do you know why I followed you in?"
Zhuang Dongqing whispered, "...I know."
What are you doing?
Cen Yan must have asked that on purpose!
Zhuang Dongqing: "..."
Zhuang Dongqing still answered, "Look at him." She pointed to her lower abdomen.
He received even more mischievous praise from Cen Yan, who said, "Our young master is really clever."
Zhuang Dongqing's ears turned red from all the praise.
Before the embarrassment had faded, a pair of black boots came into view, and Cen Yan walked up to Zhuang Dongqing.
Zhuang Dongqing...
To Cen Yan's surprise, Zhuang Dongqing glanced at him with astonishment.
There was only surprise in her eyes, not shyness.
"What's wrong?" Cen Yan asked sharply.
Zhuang Dongqing's expression became very complicated.
Cen Yan asked again, and he finally told her, mainly because if the matter became serious, it couldn't be kept secret any longer.
Zhuang Dongqing: "You seem to have become even more fragrant."
Cen Yan: "..."
A hand appeared in front of Zhuang Dongqing. Cen Yan asked, "Want to confirm this again?"
Zhuang Dongqing nodded, sniffed Cen Yan's hand, and nodded again in distress.
It smells so good.
"Are you feeling unwell?" Cen Yan asked.
Zhuang Dongqing: "It's alright, the smell is very faint."
If Cen Yan hadn't approached, he probably wouldn't have even noticed.
"Then what should we do?"
Cen Yan said softly, not in the form of a question, his voice trailing off.
Little did Zhuang Dongqing know, his mind was in a mess, and he was only thinking that the medicine wasn't working, which made him very worried.
"No, ignore him?"
After a long pause, he managed to utter a sentence.
Upon receiving Cen Yan's rejection, he said, "That won't do."
Zhuang Dongqing looked up, her eyes filled with confusion.
Cen Yan: "Will you listen to me?"
Zhuang Dongqing nodded.
He trusted Cen Yan.
"Come on, sit down."
As Cen Yan spoke, Zhuang Dongqing felt his body lighten and was pulled into Cen Yan's arms, sitting on the low cabinet. Just as he was about to move, Cen Yan grabbed his arm to help him maintain his balance.
Zhuang Dongqing was puzzled and didn't have time to ask before Cen Yan added, "Close your eyes."
Zhuang Dongqing acted faster than she thought; she closed her eyes before asking, "Why did you close your eyes?"
"I was afraid you'd feel embarrassed, young master."
As he said this, Cen Yan squeezed his body into Zhuang Dongqing's vagina, his chin was grabbed by long fingers, and the next moment, something soft covered him.
"Hmm."
All the words were stuck between his lips and teeth.
The moment Zhuang Dongqing opened his eyes, those long fingers covered his eyes again.
Deprived of his sight, his world consisted only of sensations.
Zhuang Dongqing gripped Cen Yan's clothes tightly.
Everything happened so fast, I was caught off guard, and my lips and teeth were easily pried open, and I was hooked and kissed.
He sucked very hard, and his tongue went numb.
In the gaps where the teeth roots were swept, it tried to push away the foreign object in its mouth, but as soon as it touched it, it was forced to chase after it again with a whimpering sound.
Zhuang Dongqing's eyes were glazed over and moist.
I felt suffocated, and my face flushed.
Gradually, his tightly clenched fingers loosened their grip and rested lightly on Cen Yan's body...
In the end, all they can do is tilt their heads back, open their mouths, and accept the situation with unfocused eyes.
For a long time,
Only when all the air in his lungs was sucked out did Cen Yan release him.
Zhuang Dongqing instinctively gasped for breath, his back trembling.
He buried his head in Cen Yan's shoulder, and Cen Yan's hand stroked his back repeatedly, telling him to take it slow.
The voice was so gentle that Zhuang Dongqing almost forgot that the other person was the one who started it all.
Once his breathing had calmed down, he heard Cen Yan ask him, "Is that scent still there?"
Zhuang Dongqing's mind was in turmoil. She sniffed Cen Yan's neck and asked, "Feeling better?"
"besides?"
"Yes, but it's a bit bland."
"One more time?"
Zhuang Dongqing's mind went blank.
So when his long fingers gripped Cen Yan's chin, making him tilt his head back, Zhuang Dongqing's gaze fell solely on Cen Yan.
Last time it was fast, but this time it seems to be on purpose, it's very slow.
At least it gave him time to refuse.
He can push it away if he wants.
But Cen Yan's face slowly loomed closer, and a gentle kiss landed on his lips, while Zhuang Dongqing made no move.
Cen Yan even went so far as to say, "Open your mouth."
Zhuang Dongqing obediently parted her lips.
Their lips and teeth were pressed together again. Zhuang Dongqing belatedly realized that he was kissing Cen Yan.
The first time, while he was awake, we kissed.
And he did not refuse.
Do you want to hold me?
In the interval, that low, husky voice offered advice, while simultaneously whispering kisses on his upper lip and the bridge of his nose.
Zhuang Dongqing's fingers trembled slightly, and after a moment, she put her arm around Cen Yan's shoulder as instructed.
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