Chapter 79 The Sky Curtain Made Me a White Moonlight in History The Sky Curtain, for publicity...
The two arrived at the court on time. The court officials were surprised to see the crown prince finally appear after many days and went up to greet him.
Because Crown Prince Chu Feng's position had been secure for the past ten years or so, and the emperor had clearly shown his favoritism towards him, even though he was ordered to reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors for more than a month, the emperor never revealed a word about what Chu Feng had done wrong. Therefore, no one took advantage of the situation to try and find out what Chu Feng was saying.
Chu Feng's confinement ended without any major incident. Seeing that Chu Feng's expression was normal and that he got along well with Si Qi, a rising star in the court, everyone was even more certain that there was probably nothing wrong with the incident, and they continued to treat Chu Feng with the same respect.
Soon, the morning court session began, and the astonishing act of the two senior ministers requesting a marriage decree instantly drew everyone's attention. Everyone forgot all about Chu Feng and stared at the two high-ranking officials kneeling in the front row, their expressions a mixture of emotions.
Although I knew that social customs had changed recently, and I had vaguely heard about some younger people coming out to their elders, I never expected that the first example I would witness would be someone I had known for decades.
These two individuals were highly respected and influential figures in the State of Qi, both in terms of reputation and status. For a moment, everyone was unsure whether to be surprised that they had been secretly carrying out their affair for so many years without anyone noticing, or surprised that they were so willing to risk everything, disregarding their family's reputation and public opinion, to stand up and openly reveal their affair.
Many people had mixed feelings. Looking at the two solemn ministers and then at the emperor above who showed no reaction, they sighed inwardly for the umpteenth time that the sky really could influence people.
Those who had always been at odds with the two old ministers saw this as an opportunity and jumped out to speak righteously, saying that such actions were against human ethics, disregarded the proper way of yin and yang harmony, and set an extremely bad precedent for the people.
The other ministers, who had received word of this from the two ministers, stepped forward and spoke at length, stating that this was something Heaven itself had acknowledged, that it was human nature, and that one should follow one's heart. If the existence of attraction between the sexes was not recognized, many girls and boys would be let down and mistreated, and many marriages would be missed or mismatched.
The tragic events depicted in the sky are still vivid in our minds. Everyone's tears were not shed in vain. The desolate ending caused by marriage fraud is even more chilling, killing without shedding blood.
With the added aura of the Heavenly Curtain, the support of popular opinion, and the testimonies of two elderly ministers who had devoted themselves to their families and the State of Qi for decades, yet remained lonely and destitute, the vast majority remained silent or acquiescing, unwilling to forcibly separate these two hardworking but unhappy old men for the sake of their deeply ingrained, outdated ideas that the Heavenly Curtain itself had deemed "stubborn and uncivilized."
"Have we not changed our thinking recently because of the sky?"
After the debate, someone said: "Incestuous marriage, taking Five-Stone Powder, foot binding... which of these are things we used to take for granted, but now realize are wrong? It's just one more thing."
Those who could appear in the imperial court were all well-informed and knowledgeable people. In life, it was not uncommon for them to find that people around them were attracted to the same sex and secretly dated their crushes. In fact, many famous people in history have had such stories passed down.
They never expected that someone like the two elderly men, at such a high position and age, would still want to publicly ask the emperor to grant them a marriage and give their beloved an explanation.
This is enough to prove how deeply the two were in love.
If this were just a private matter, no one would interfere, since the two adults' parents had passed away and they hadn't married anyone else, so no one could say anything about them.
But now that this matter has been brought to the forefront, everyone needs to consider the potential consequences.
They discussed it amongst themselves, and most of them eventually came to the conclusion that they did not oppose it. So they all looked to the emperor, waiting for him to give the final verdict.
In fact, even if the emperor didn't say it, given everyone's understanding of his soft heart, it's unlikely he would say anything unpleasant.
As expected, the emperor said with a gentle smile, "You two ministers have worked diligently and made great contributions to our Great Qi. Now that you have finally found a good match, I am very pleased."
With just one sentence, the opposition below, who still wanted to chatter on and on, were silenced and could no longer continue their eloquent discourse.
The emperor didn't even mention the genders of the two men, only saying that he was pleased that his minister had found someone he liked.
If a minister wants to propose marriage, what reason would the emperor have to refuse?
The emperor readily agreed, saying, "I will definitely come to your home for a celebratory drink on an auspicious day!"
Now, the young ministers who had originally wanted to stand up and say that the couple was bad for the family's reputation or would cause trouble at the wedding, because they were junior members of the family who had been promoted by the elders, dared not utter a word.
Didn't you see that the emperor's face clearly showed his support? Anyone who dares to speak up at this time is a traitor who breaks up the couple, a troublemaker who goes against the emperor's wishes.
They could only force a smile, meet the stares of those around them, and say with a forced grin, "There's good news in our clan, everyone is welcome to come and share in the joy."
As for what they think, who cares?
Once the two old ministers who were the only ones who cared about them stopped paying attention to their opinions, their views would be insignificant to outsiders.
Thus, with the emperor's final decision, the two ministers wept with joy. They bowed deeply to thank the emperor, while other officials offered their blessings.
Soon after, news spread among the people that the emperor had personally bestowed a marriage upon the two officials, which definitively established a very positive conclusion regarding the nature of the matter.
People are becoming more accepting of same-sex love. Even those few who cannot accept it remain silent and no longer stand on the moral high ground as they used to, wantonly or even maliciously attacking others.
Because they are no longer "absolutely correct".
Chu Feng was initially unaware of the two officials' affairs. It wasn't until he saw the emperor's hidden concern for the two ministers that he understood why his father's attitude had suddenly changed yesterday.
He was grateful and after court, he said many comforting and blessing words to the two ministers, which made them very happy.
Si Qi was naturally aware of this as well. After the two ministers left, he said to Chu Feng in private, "His Majesty is kind-hearted and can't bear to see you and the officials suffer."
Chu Feng: "Father also feels sorry for you."
Si Qi smiled: "Therefore we cannot let His Majesty down."
The two had not seen each other for many days and did not want to part ways after court, so at Chu Feng's invitation, they went to the East Palace.
Just as Chu Feng arrived at their familiar study, he paused, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.
Si Qi turned his head: "Your Highness?"
Chu Feng subconsciously corrected him: "Call me by my name."
Si Qi readily agreed: "Brother Feng."
Chu Feng's ears turned slightly red upon hearing this, and he responded softly.
Si Qi: "Why did you suddenly stop?"
Chu Feng had no choice but to explain, "I've been reflecting on my mistakes in seclusion lately. I was so upset that I couldn't concentrate on my studies, so I made a lot of paintings."
Si Qi's eyes flickered slightly, and he immediately understood: "What did you draw?"
Chu Feng coughed lightly: "Whatever was on my mind, I... drew something."
After finishing the painting, I couldn't bear to put it away, so before I knew it, it filled the entire room.
Feeling annoyed, he tossed and turned all night after speaking with his father in the bedroom last night. When he got up early this morning to rush to the Si residence, he had completely forgotten about what happened in the study.
Chu Feng couldn't stand outside and talk to Si Qi like that, so she pushed open the door, her ears red, and stood outside, carefully observing Si Qi's expression.
Si Qi took in the situation inside the room, his expression changed slightly, carrying a complex mix of emotions that were hard to describe. However, he didn't say anything that would embarrass Chu Feng, only saying, "Brother Feng... your calligraphy is truly expressive."
Because it was so lifelike, completely capturing the character's traits, Si Qi would indeed be startled if he didn't have mental preparation when he first saw the same person walking, standing, sitting, and lying in the whole room.
He stepped into the study, and Chu Feng followed closely behind.
The two stood in front of the most eye-catching painting hanging on the wall, admiring it for a long time. Si Qi commented, "I'm not that good-looking."
Chu Feng's bias against him was too strong, to the point that even if Si Qi himself thought he wasn't good enough, Chu Feng wouldn't allow it.
As expected, Chu Feng said with a face full of disapproval, "How could that be? I haven't even described one ten-thousandth of you."
Si Qi: "..." See? I told you so.
He turned to look at the painting in front of him.
It was probably during that time spent together that Chu Feng learned Si Qi's sketching techniques. So even in ink wash paintings, he could capture Si Qi's expressions and movements with remarkable realism, especially his distinctive temperament.
In the painting, he stands atop a mountain, gazing into the distance. The desolate and silent moonlit mountains surrounding him silently reveal the state of mind of the person in the painting—a peaceful tranquility tinged with serenity and coolness.
The lifelike brushstrokes seem to allow one to smell the pines and streams in the painting, and feel the cool temperature of the moonlight. The vast and desolate natural environment remains captivating even after being depicted by the brush.
Yet, in the painter's brush, such magnificent scenery is merely a backdrop for the people in the painting.
The scenery of the world becomes brighter because of the favor of those who admire the moon. The back view of the elegant young man is more awe-inspiring than the snow on the mountain and more aloof than the moon in the clouds. It seems that if a gentle breeze comes at any moment, he can ride the wind and go away.
Si Qi said the painting had a very strong filter because every stroke of the artist seemed to convey a sense of reverence. It was less like painting a person and more like painting a celestial being.
The sense of distance and unattainability in the painting, in particular, conveys the artist's sadness, despondency, and despair.
Si Qi disliked Chu Feng's one-sided, lonely existence, as if he could never win her heart. Although the painting was beautiful, what did it have to do with him, Si Qi?
He would never let Chu Feng forever only gaze at his back, his gaze fixed on mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas where Chu Feng was not.
He turned around, revealing eyes exactly like the one in the painting behind him—clear, captivating, and sparkling like stars. While infinitely beautiful, there was not a trace of aloofness, only tender affection.
She gently raised her hand, and her sleeve slid down, revealing a slender, fair wrist, which she then took Chu Feng's hand.
Chu Feng held her breath and stared intently at Si Qi. She saw the usually aloof and dignified young man with relaxed eyebrows and slightly pursed lips, his cheek slowly approaching.
The moment the soft touch came close, Chu Feng's pupils contracted sharply, and he instinctively raised his hand to hold the figure in his arms tightly.
The room remained silent for a long time.
Only when Si Qi broke free from Chu Feng's embrace, her watery eyes and slightly red lips fixed on him, did he breathe rapidly, his throat tighten, and he lowered his head in embarrassment, saying, "I... I was presumptuous."
Si Qi: "When lovers do this, it's simply out of their control."
He tightened his grip on their hands and said, "These paintings are very good, but none of them are me. I'd like to see something else."
Chu Feng's heart raced, his thoughts completely jumbled from the kiss. He didn't understand Si Qi's true meaning and blurted out, "How do you know there's more?"
Si Qi: "...?"
Chu Feng: "...!"
Si Qi's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone carrying a hidden meaning: "What other? Does Your Highness have other paintings hidden away that you won't let me see?"
Chu Feng stammered, "No, I just..."
Si Qi deliberately misinterpreted: "So you've painted other people too..."
Chu Feng's skin tightened, and he quickly explained, "No! It was all you!"
Si Qi looked puzzled: "Then why did you put it away and not let me see it?"
Chu Feng: "That's right, that's right..."
Si Qi looked completely innocent: "I'm just curious."
Chu Feng blushed deeply.
He finally couldn't resist Si Qi's persistent questioning and led Si Qi to the desk. He pulled out a scroll from the locked cabinet and said with great embarrassment, "I misunderstood for a moment, Xiao Qi, please don't blame me."
Si Qi took the painting with a meaningful look, and with a mischievous grin, he drawled out "Hmm~?" as he enjoyed Chu Feng's embarrassed expression.
After admiring it for a while, I casually unrolled the scroll, and sure enough, I saw a beautiful scene: a butterfly about to take flight, a half-hidden garment, the curve of long, straight legs, and a fair, slender body...
Chu Feng's face turned bright red as she repeatedly apologized to Si Qi, "It was my fault, I'll never do it again..."
Si Qi looked down at it, thinking that there was nothing wrong with it. It didn't reveal what should or shouldn't be revealed. It could be used as a magazine cover. It was so subtle that only people in ancient times would consider it a pornographic picture.
He looked expressionless, which made Chu Feng, who had been secretly observing him, sweat profusely. It seemed as if he was about to raise his hand and swear to atone with his death at any moment. Si Qi sighed and said, "Your Highness..."
Chu Feng was about to cry: "You called me Your Highness..."
Is it because you feel he is reckless and oversteps boundaries, a lustful fiend, that you want to distance yourself from him?
Si Qi: "When did Your Highness see my body?"
Chu Feng then realized the bigger problem and said in a broken voice, "It's...it's our first time meeting..."
He's really finished!
Si Qi silently put away the scroll, placed it on the desk, and sighed.
Chu Feng was brought to tears by the soft sound of something being placed: "Xiao Qi..."
Si Qi: "He has the desire to steal, but not the courage."
Chu Feng's eyes, which were about to well up with tears, froze. Then he suddenly looked up in disbelief.
"You clearly had these feelings from the very first meeting, so why did you wait until now, until my feelings were exposed, before daring to reveal them?" Si Qi said, "You made me suffer terribly during that time..."
Chu Feng panicked and stammered, "Ah, I... I'm not?"
So that's not what Si Qi was angry about?
Feeling a sense of relief at surviving a disaster, but also anxious at realizing she had upset Si Qi, Chu Feng said hastily, "It's my fault. I shouldn't have been so secretive and let you down..."
So Si Qi had feelings for him all along? So much so that even after what he did, she wasn't angry, but instead saddened that they had missed so much time together…
Touched, Chu Feng disregarded all pretense of restraint and propriety, took Si Qi's hand, and whispered to him, "Next time something happens, I promise I won't keep it to myself, I'll tell you everything."
Si Qi looked at him with clear, bright eyes, her gaze frank and unwavering: "I'm definitely prettier than that painting, right?"
Chu Feng's Adam's apple bobbed, and he said in a hoarse voice, "Yes."
...
A few days later, at the Si residence.
In the early morning, Mrs. Si was used to getting up early and taking a stroll in the kitchen.
Mrs. Si was startled to see that tall figure appear there unexpectedly.
It wasn't unexpected that His Highness the Crown Prince appeared at her house; after all, as her son's close friend, His Highness the Crown Prince often stayed overnight there.
But this is, after all, a kitchen, and it's truly unbelievable that His Highness the Crown Prince was standing to the side personally instructing the cooks on how to prepare the food.
"Your Highness," Madam Si greeted Chu Feng, asking with concern, "What's wrong?"
When Chu Feng saw Madam Si appear, his expression tensed for a moment. He suppressed the guilt in his heart and said, "Come and tell the kitchen to prepare breakfast..."
"But the meals you've had before didn't suit your taste?" Mrs. Si said, blaming herself.
“No, it’s fine,” Chu Feng said. “I just wanted something lighter today.”
"You could have just told the servants, there was no need to come in person," Madam Si said apologetically. "By the way, where is Xiao Qi?"
The two were sharing a room, and even though His Highness the Crown Prince was already up, Si Qi hadn't appeared yet.
Chu Feng's expression tightened even more, and he said in a weak voice, "He, he hasn't gotten up yet."
"Young Master may be ill," the servant in the kitchen who was boiling water said with great concern, mustering his courage to whisper, "His Highness the Crown Prince ordered water last night. Is it because Young Master has a fever and is sweating, and needs to be wiped down?"
Madam Si immediately became anxious: "What! We must call a doctor right away!"
Chu Feng quickly stopped him: "No need!"
Madam Si turned around, her face full of sorrow: "Your Highness..."
Chu Feng: "There's no need to call the imperial physician. Xiao Qi is just a little tired. He'll be fine after a rest."
Having spent some time with Chu Feng, Madam Si naturally trusted his words completely. She reasoned that Chu Feng wouldn't deliberately stop Si Qi from getting sick, so she nodded and said, "Xiao Qi is indeed very busy with government affairs..."
“That’s right,” Chu Feng’s cheeks flushed, “I know his health, Madam, you don’t need to worry.”
Madam Si nodded again, her trust making Chu Feng feel even more ashamed. She said, "You have always taken good care of my Xiao Qi."
Chu Feng avoided eye contact: "Then, I'll go check on Xiao Qi. The porridge and snacks can be brought to his room later, and I'll eat with him."
Mrs. Si smiled and said, "Okay, don't worry."
Chu Feng slunk back to his room and looked at the young man lying on the bed, his face pale with a blush. Seeing that the other was sleeping soundly, he gently stroked the long hair on the young man's forehead with his fingers, his eyes full of pity.
Si Qi hadn't slept well last night and was a light sleeper. Sensing the movement, he slowly opened his eyes and met Chu Feng's concerned gaze.
"Awake?" Seeing that Si Qi showed signs of wanting to get up, Chu Feng quickly reached out and helped Si Qi, who was only wearing his undergarments, up from the bed, and asked carefully, "How are you feeling? Are you still uncomfortable?"
Si Qi's voice was slightly hoarse as he nodded gently: "It's alright."
"How...how is it there? Does it hurt?" Chu Feng blushed and couldn't help but nag, "I asked the imperial physician, and he said that applying some ointment beforehand would help. But I noticed you were frowning last night and didn't seem to be in much discomfort. Was I too rough and hurt you?"
He remembered what the imperial physician had said about the potential for the recipient to experience various symptoms such as wound reopening and bleeding, and he felt uneasy. "I should be gentler, slower..."
Si Qi remained silent.
Chu Feng, being a novice, wasn't very skilled, which made him a bit uncomfortable, and he kept saying things like "gentle" and "slow." So, I leaned in and shut him up with a single sentence: "Actually, it's because your...thing is too..."
Chu Feng blushed bright red as he listened to Si Qi's whispers and immediately fell silent.
After a long pause, he stammered and said in a low voice, "I can't help it..."
It's something he was born with, what can he do about it...?
Si Qi: "You even asked the imperial physician about this?"
"We should ask around more," Chu Feng hadn't paid much attention to this kind of thing before, and could only say that he knew some common sense. It was only after being with Si Qi that he became conscious of learning more.
Luckily, he learned it beforehand, otherwise yesterday, when they were kissing, things got a little out of hand and he accidentally took off his clothes. He wouldn't know what to do then.
Moreover, that ointment is indeed effective; I'll go back and ask the imperial physician to prepare some more.
"Don't worry, the imperial physicians are always tight-lipped and won't reveal anything," Chu Feng said honestly. "Even if they knew, they wouldn't know it was you."
Si Qi's eyes were deep and mysterious. He thought to himself, "You think you can hide this from me? Anyone with eyes can see that something's wrong with you just by standing next to me."
However, with the facade of a harmonious relationship between the ruler and his minister in place, no one would think that way for the time being. After all, he was the beloved "Prime Minister," and Chu Feng was the Crown Prince who was about to inherit the throne.
Everyone else might misunderstand, but nobody would misunderstand them.
Of course, things might change over time.
Si Qi skipped the topic and sat up, supporting his aching back: "It's time to go to court."
Chu Feng raised his hand to stop him: "Just stay home and rest today. There's nothing urgent in court."
“Those ministers who are too busy with government affairs don’t say that,” Si Qi said. “I am in good health and can attend court without any problems.”
"It's bound to be painful, isn't it?" Looking at Si Qi's face, which was noticeably more haggard than usual, Chu Feng blamed herself, "I really did make too much of a scene last night..."
He should have stopped when Si Qi first started to sob; why did he let himself go?
Si Qi: "…………"
He was too lazy to talk to Chu Feng about this, so he got out of bed with the help of Chu Feng's raised arm. With Chu Feng's attentive help, he put on his coat piece by piece and let Chu Feng help him put on his socks. He said, "I want to look in the mirror."
Chu Feng then supported his lower back and led him to the bronze mirror, saying shyly, "I was careful and didn't leave any marks on your neck."
Si Qi's skin was too fair; with just a little force, several finger marks appeared on his side. Seeing this made him feel guilty, but also aroused, like a fire burning in his heart, causing him to completely lose control of his emotions.
Si Qi glanced at himself in the mirror and saw that Chu Feng looked embarrassed. He deliberately said, "It's okay if you stay. I like everything you've given me."
He leaned back and whispered in Chu Feng's ear, "Next time, keep it on your lower back?"
Chu Feng: "!!!"
A servant knocked on the door outside and brought porridge. Si Qi stopped talking, got up and slowly opened the door. He ate with Chu Feng, who was completely in a daze, and then went out to attend the morning court.
The younger siblings, who were leaving for school early in the morning, saw Chu Feng standing side by side with Si Qi and asked in surprise, "Your Highness, what happened to your face?"
Chu Feng remained expressionless and said in a deep voice, "The weather is hot."
Sister-in-law: "? Winter is almost here..."
Si Qi pulled Chu Feng into the carriage: "It's time for court. You two study hard. I'll check your homework when we get back."
The two children obediently replied, "Don't worry, brother."
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Chu Feng strode into the carriage and covered his face with his hands.
-----------------------
Author's Note: --
Si Qi (casually flicking his sleeve): Easily defeated.
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