Chapter 160 - There are Helper Gongs Everywhere in the w.a.n.gfu

Translated by Eve

Edited by Serefina

3. There are Helper Gongs Everywhere in the

w.a.n.gfu

Xie He swept the garden at an exasperatingly slow speed for a very long time. Despite this, he hadnt managed to finish even half of the garden. The servants of the

w.a.n.gfu

stared at him as they pa.s.sed by, pointing at him with disdain in their eyes. Even though they were also nothing but servants, they still felt an inexplicable superiority when in front of a courtesan, one who served men s.e.xually.

This was the olden times. Because he had a low status, anyone could jeer and look down on him.

Xie He cast his gaze downwards. In fact, he wasnt paying attention. This was because he was listening to 444 broadcast the

w.a.n.gfu

gossip to him in real time. He was having a grand time listening to it.

Wherever there were people, there would be gossip. These servants got hold of information fast and they had a lot of it. Their mouths would flap whenever they were bored. Indeed, Xie He was able to obtain useful information. It turns out that Bai Qiuchi also came from Jiangzhou. She had unexpectedly come from the same place as Yuan Jin. It was by some turn of fate, she was lucky enough to be brought back by Xiao Yan.

What had made Xiao Yan, this coldhearted and aloof

descendant of the dragon

Prince to be so tolerant of a woman like this? It was very likely that she had saved his life, as only a kindness to that degree would evoke such grat.i.tude. When Xie He linked this to the guilt and fear Bai Qiuchi felt towards Yuan Jin.

Xie He was in deep thought and then something popped up in his mind. He couldnt stop the corner of his lips from twitching up. If that was the case, then it would be a really good show.

Xie HeI think I know what happened. Smile.JPG

444What? @[email protected]

Xie HeBaby, you still dont like to use your brain, do you? Couldnt you have thought about this when transmitting gossip to me?

444/(o)/~~

Xie HeWhatever. In any case, I dont have any expectations for you anyway. ?

444I know, ah! Youre only attacking me because you think its fun, right?! _(:)_ For the sake of his allowance, he will endure!

Xie HeBaby, Im not scolding you. If you dont use your mind regularly, it will get rusty. I think that I hold a share of the blame for your continued idiocy. Its because I spoiled you. What will you do if your host becomes someone else? Smile.JPG

444( |||)Host

dada

, dont say such scary things!He was prepared to hug this big thigh for the rest of his life, ah!

Xie HeDont worry, I was just joking. ?

444QAQ You scared me to death.

Xie He swept the grounds for a whole day, but didnt finish. Indeed, no one came to bring him any food. At night, he dragged the broom back to his own courtyard, cold and hungry.

He came from the

Xunhuan

House. He knew that he could not continue on like this. If he were to die from illness, he would only be wrapped up in a mat and tossed into a ma.s.s grave. Thus, he staggered out to collect a bucket of water before returning to his room. He then used the ice-cold water to slowly clean himself.

444Host

dada

, Qi Qing has come!

Xie HeVery good. ?

Qi Qing had received the order not to watch Xie He anymore, so he had left. When he came back tonight, he discovered that Xie He had worked the whole day with nothing to eat or drink. He had been worried that the other would die of exhaustion, so he had brought some food over, unable to bear seeing the other suffer like this. It was just that, when he arrived, he just so happened to see Xie He carry water into the house. Thus, he could only stand waiting outside.

He didnt wait for long when he suddenly heard a splash. There were no other sounds of movement after that. Qi Qing was worried. In the end, he couldnt stand it and burst in!

As soon as he looked inside, he saw that Xie He had fallen next to the wooden bucket. He had fainted.

Xie He had just been was.h.i.+ng himself and hadnt had the chance to get dressed. He was currently lying on the floor naked. His slender body was still littered in the marks from last night. When Qi Qing laid eyes on him, his ears grew red and his heart began to race! He wanted to run away, but when he thought of how Xie He might die if he left, he still went inside after a moment of hesitation.

Qi Qings expression was drawn taut. He shut his eyes and carefully carried Xie He to the bed. He then quickly pulled the sheets over Xie He before opening his eyes.

Although he didnt dare take too close of a look, the smooth touch against his hands and the soft skin rubbing against his palms from when he was holding Xie He evoked a strange feeling in him. For the first time, Qi Qing felt desire stir inside him. Moreover, Xie He was so light. It was like he weighed nothing.

Qi Qing fixed the sheets, meticulously ensuring that Xie He was fully covered. Not a single bit of him was left exposed. Only then did he examine Xie Hes face. The eyes on that deathly pale little face were shut tight. His long, curled lashes, which were like a feathered fan, cast faint shadows below. Beneath his lovely pale nose were lips as red as a rose decorated with morning dew.

He couldnt stop the tenderness from seeping out of his eyes.

Ding, Qi Qings Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 50.

Qi Qing watched the other for a while before leaving to bring a quilt and stove over.

In the chill of early spring, the room was very dark and cold. There wasnt even a spark inside. The others sheets were coa.r.s.e and thin as well. The youth was so weakwho knew how he had managed to survive thus far.

Qi Qing covered Xie He with the quilt and then lit a fire inside the house. It became much warmer.

He hesitated before cautiously stretching out a hand to caress Xie Hes forehead. It was a bit warm. If he didnt wake up in a bit, he may have to call the doctor over.

Xie Hes mind was muddled. Originally, he had felt cold all over. But shortly after, he warmed up. He slowly opened his eyes. Just then, he remembered that he had fainted while bathing. But he wasnt on the floor right now. He was lying in a warm bed. He had a thick quilt over him and a fire had been lit in his room.

Xie He was startled. His eyelashes fluttered as he looked up. It was then that he saw a man sitting in the chair before him. The man wasnt particularly handsome, but he had a stable, cold aura. He was dressed in a black

jinzhuang

and was currently looking at Xie He with worry in his pitch-black eyes.

Xie He could tell that he wasnt a mere servant of the

w.a.n.gfu.

So, just who was this man? Alarm appeared in Xie Hes eyes. He quickly gathered the quilt and cowered in a corner. He asked in a trembling voice, W-who are you?

Did this man see his body? Was he the one who had carried him to the bed? All of this evoked terror in Xie He. In that moment, the fear triumphed over his grat.i.tude.

Although he was nothing but a lowly prost.i.tute who had slept with countless men, since he had been accepted into the

w.a.n.gfu,

he could only be His Highness from now on. He had to adhere strictly to his code as a servant. If people were to find out that there was something ambiguous going on between him and a man of unknown origin, he would be sold out of the

w.a.n.gfu

. His fate would be even worse than if he were to return to the

Xunhuan

House. It had been so difficult to escape from there. If he were to be sold to another brothel, he might as well just die.

Qi Qing could see the alarm and fear in Xie Hes eyes. At first, he felt unhappy, but he very quickly figured out what Xie He was worried about. The silver of unhappiness transformed into pity. He paused and then said, I am an Imperial guard of the

w.a.n.gfu.

Dont worry. No one saw me come.

Xie He forced down the terror in his heart and then turned to look at the burning stove in the house. He quietly asked, D-did youk2026;bring this?

Qi Qing nodded.

Xie Hes eyes glistened, grat.i.tude appearing in them. However, when he looked at Qi Qing again, he spoke in a determined tone, Many thanks,

Daren

, but

Nu

cannot accept this. Please take it with you.

Qi Qing furrowed his brows and said in a low voice, Did you know that you fainted today? You will fall sick if you continue on like this.

Xie He lowered his eyes humbly and said,

Nu

has entered the

w.a.n.gfu

, therefore

Nu

must adhere by the

w.a.n.gfu

s rules.

Nu

should not take what

Nu

does not deserve.

Qi Qing thought that Xie He was being pigheaded. He wanted to continue to persuade the other. However, he saw Xie He suddenly look up. There was an undecipherable sorrow and helplessness in those breathtaking, watery eyes. The other slowly said, Even if

Nu

dies here, it will be better than dying outside.

Qi Qings heart clenched. He stared at the youth before him. For him, even if he was treated as a servant or slave in the

w.a.n.gfu,

humiliated and mistreated by otherseven if he died hereit was still better than having to sell both his body and smile at the

Xunhuan

House. For that, he was willing to give anything.

Who would be willing to fall to such lows, if given the choice?

If Qi Qing were to do something impulsive, at most, other people would tease him and call him a playboy. Meanwhile, it would drown Xie He.

Qi Qing was silent for a while before saying, OK, Ill take it with me.

Xie He looked at Qi Qing and finally flashed him a small, faint smile of grat.i.tude. He softly said, Could

Nu

please request

Daren

to withdraw for a moment.

Nu

Nu

will thank

Daren

after getting dressed.

Qi Qing immediately stepped out and shut the door for Xie He.

Qi Qing stood there with his back against the door. Xie Hes grateful eyes and his gentle smile had yet to disappear from his mind. Although he was a prost.i.tute, he was gentle and sensible. He dutifully performed his role andreally aroused Qi Qings tenderness. If one day, His Highness didnt want him anymore and Qi Qing were to ask for Xie He, couldnt he take care of him openly then?

When Qi Qing thought of this, everything seemed to light up in front of him. The more he thought about it, the more he thought that this was a good idea. It wasnt like he had not seen the girls outside. It was just that no one had moved him or made him feel as tenderhearted as Xie He did. It was only Xie He who made him feel like he wanted to take care of the other for the rest of his life.

If he asked for Xie He, in the future, he would not have to return to a cold home anymore. There would be someone docile and considerate who would prepare dinner for him. Someone would welcome him back with a gentle smile. It seemed wonderful.

Ding, Qi Qings Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 60.

Xie He changed his clothes and pushed the door open. He gave Qi Qing a deep, respectful bow. With a quiet, soft voice, he said, Many thanks to

Daren

for your kindness today. It is just that

Nu

has no way of repaying your kindness

Nu

feels ashamed.

Qi Qing made a quiet cough and said, It was no bother. You do not need to take it to heart.

Xie He looked at him, lovely eyes full of grat.i.tude. There was none of the fear from before. He knew now that this person had done what he had, not because he coveted his body, but out of pure kindness. Xie He had fallen into prost.i.tution years ago and had never thought that he would encounter a kindhearted person like this. Xie He bowed to Qi Qing again and then stepped to the side.

Daren

, please take these with you.

Qi Qing didnt immediately gather his things. He first pulled out a bag made of grease-proof paper. This was the food he had brought for Xie He. He had forgotten to hand it over until now. He smiled. This is something to eat. Keep it. No one will know.

Xie Hes gaze fell on the food in Qi Qings hands. He finally couldnt hold it in anymore and his eyes reddened. He didnt reject it this time and choked out, OK.

Qi Qing had finally managed to deliver the food. He felt that this task was even more difficult than the sword battles he engaged in outside. After this, he didnt take another look at Xie He and went to take the quilt and stove before leaving.

Xie He watched as Qi Qings figure grew distant. He then took the grease-proof paper bag inside. When he opened it, he found a very exquisite pastry. He was honestly starving and ate it with relish.

Qi Qing actually hadnt gone far. He circled around and came back, watching Xie He eat while squatting up high in a tree. Because Xie He had eaten in too much haste, his lips were stained with crumbs. He was extremely adorable.

Qi Qing watched him, reluctant to part, for a long time. But in the end, he still left with his belongings.

444Host

dada

, Qi Qing has left! ()/

Xie HeGood. ?

Xie He closed the window and lazed on the bed. He told 444 to prepare him a large meal. He hadnt eaten his fill just now. There was no entertainment or activities at night in the olden times. Everyone went to bed early so Xie He then fell asleep while watching movies.

The next morning, Qi Qing mulled over it for a while before he called the

w.a.n.gfu

s steward over. He pretended to speak in a nonchalant way. Yuan Jin was sent here by the Crown Prince. His Highness has ordered not to let him run amok. Watch himand dont treat him too harshly.

The steward knew that Qi Qing was His Highness trusted aide. He didnt doubt the other and nodded. I understand.

He had heard that Bai Qiuchi was recently causing trouble for Xie He. It seems like he had to warn those people not to go overboard.

Xie He slept until the next morning. Although he hadnt finished sweeping yesterday, someone still came to deliver him food. It was no longer cold leftovers either. It was at least on par with what the lower-ranking servants ate. Although it was still simple, he was at least full.

Nonetheless, Xie He still didnt like the food and continued to eat the Systems food instead.

Xie HeIt looks like

Xiao

Qing works fast. He must have spoken a few words on my behalf. Smile.JPG

444Thats really great. Hes a good person, ah. ( o )

Xie HeBut its useless. He doesnt have the courage to protect me openly. Meanwhile, Bai Qiuchis heart is set on killing me. Qi Qings actions will only make her even more nervous. She will very quickly think of a new way to get rid of me. Hehe.

444Ahyi? Why does Bai Qiuchi want to kill you? It cant be because youre better looking than she is? Isnt that too ruthless? _(:)_

Xie He

444Host

dada,

whats wrong?

Xie He

Cough

, nothing. I just think that what you said makes a lot of sense. ?

444

Bai Qiuchi very quickly heard of the stewards arrangements. Although she had influence over the

w.a.n.gfu

, she didnt dare go too crazy. She was still an outsider. She could not sentence the

w.a.n.gfu

servants to death. Moreover, Yuan Jin hadnt done anything wrong. If it was before Yuan Jin had come, shed let this go. However, Yuan Jin absolutely could not stay!

Even if she had to take a risk, she had to get rid of him!

Yuan Jin was a thorn in Bai Qiuchis side. Every night, she had nightmares. She was afraid that His Highness would realize that Yuan Jin was his real saviour. That year, she had only watched from afar as Yuan Jin saved a heavily injured man. She had then picked up the jade pendant Yuan Jin had dropped when he left. She hadnt really paid any heed to this matter. That man hadnt looked anything like Prince Su. Furthermore, Yuan Jin hadnt been dressed like a courtesan either.

Later on, she sold the jade pendant because she had been deep in poverty. And then, the legendary Prince Su arrived at her door! He said that he wanted to thank her for saving his life. Everythinghad been like a dream.

In the beginning, she didnt dare believe it. However, after living this lavish life at the

w.a.n.gfu

for two years, she understood that Prince Su was earnest about repaying her for her kindness. But she knew that she wasnt the person Prince Su had been looking for. She was scared and on edge at all times. With His Highness temperament, if he found out that she had lied. Bai Qiuchi felt her heart freeze over.

Two years pa.s.sed and the thing she was most afraid of happened. Yuan Jin had unexpectedly arrived at the

w.a.n.gfu

!

The more Bai Qiuchi thought about this, the more afraid she became. Yuan Jin probably couldnt recognize Prince Su, but what about Prince Su? Would he not recognize him? Nosince Prince Su had relied on that keepsake to judge her as his benefactor, that meant that he didnt catch sight of Yuan Jins appearance back then. But Bai Qiuchi didnt know what exactly had transpired back then. She couldnt guarantee that Prince Su would never recognize the other.

Only with Yuan Jins death could the secret be hidden forever!

A dark, vicious light flashed through Bai Qiuchis eyes. She pondered for a moment and then called her servant girl, Shui Rong, over and gave her some instructions.

Xie He remembered that he hadnt finished sweeping the garden yesterday. After breakfast, he grabbed his broom and returned to the garden to continue cleaning.

At noon, the

momo

from yesterday came looking for Xie He. She told him, Dont sweep anymore. Who knows when an invalid like you will finish sweeping. Go wash the young miss clothes. You should know how to do that at least, right?

As she said this, she shoved a basin of clothes into Xie Hes arms.

Xie He didnt resist. He obediently responded with,

Nu

will go wash the clothing.

Xie He arrived at the clothes was.h.i.+ng area. He was the only one there at the moment. He poured the clothing out of the basin. It turned out to be a single, exquisitely gorgeous dress. Xie He was a knowledgeable person. He could tell that, with this kind of handiwork and crafting, this dress must be exorbitantly priced, according to the standards of olden times. Bai Qiuchi had no good intentions by letting him wash such a precious garment. Xie He was thus in no rush to wash it. He first shook the dress out and carefully examined it once over. He discovered that there was a hole in an inconspicuous place. The golden thread had come loose. If he were to wash it, the damage would only worsen.

The corner of Xie Hes lips rose. Although this wasnt a very skillful method, it was effective. In any case, Bai Qiuchi just needed an excuse to get rid of him. Who cares whether a courtesan like him died?

There was no concept of fairness here, only profit. Everyone knew that they had to stand on Bai Qiuchis side.

Right now, there was no one around. Bai Qiuchi made it so that he would have no alibi. Xie He tore at the torn area in a carefree manner. The tear immediately turned into a huge hole. He then threw the dress into the water and casually rubbed it a few times before he just kicked back and relaxed.

Xie HeBaby, let me know when people come over. Smile.JPG

444(v) Mn!

The weather was nice today. Xie He basked in the sun for a while. Shortly after, he heard 444 say that people were coming over. He immediately stood up, grabbing hold of the dress. His face was full of panic and helplessness.

Shui Rong and two

momo

came over and asked Xie He, Have you finished was.h.i.+ng the young miss clothes?

Xie He squeezed the garment, face deathly pale.

Nu.

Shui Rong could see the huge tear in the clothing in Xie Hes hands at once. She immediately shrieked, You actually tore her clothes! You!

Xie Hes voice was absolutely fl.u.s.tered,

Nu

didnt do it on purposethe dress originally had a small hole and

Nu

didnt notice. Thats why.

Shui Rong looked furious. She said to Xie He, Do you know how much this dress costs? Do you know how much the young miss loves this dress? When it was given to you, it was obviously fine! But you dare quibble?!

She turned to speak to the

momo

behind her. Take him to the young miss to be dealt with!

The two

momo

immediately grabbed hold of Xie He with rough movements.

Xie He was brought to Bai Qiuchis courtyard. He was directly pressed down to the ground and made to kneel. He was trembling all over and kept trying to explain himself.

Nu

didnt do it on purpose.

Shui Rong didnt pay him any attention. She brought the dress inside. Shortly after, Bai Qiuchi came out. She had a hand on her chest. It was clear that she was enraged. Her voice shook. Thisis a tribute that His Highness had specially gone to request for me from the palace. And you actually.

When Xie He heard this, he was so scared his face turned even whiter. His voice quivered, The dressoriginally had a small tear.

Shui Rong immediately raised her voice in anger. Youre still talking back? We are never careless when using or safeguarding this dress! How could there be a tear?! Are you trying to s.h.i.+ft the blame onto us?!

Xie He was so anxious his eyes turned red. He said softly, No, no

Nu

really didnt do it on purpose

Nu

doesnt know why this happened.

Bai Qiuchi was so infuriated that her chest was heaving. She spat out, Let him kneel here.

After saying this, she re-entered the house.

Shui Rong gave Xie He a cold look and said, Wait until the young miss anger has subsided. She will decide what to do with you then!

The two

momo

let go of Xie He but Xie He didnt dare to get up. He knelt in the courtyard, panic in his eyes. The afternoon sun was terribly cruel as he knelt for many

s.h.i.+chen

. He felt dizzy, his sight was blurry and his lips were chapped. In the end, everything went black as he fainted.

A moment later, he was awoken as someone splashed him with a bucket of cold water.

The two

momo

hadnt left. They had watched Xie He kneel the whole time. Now, they cursed him with contempt. Did you think you could escape punishment by pretending to faint? You made such a huge mistake. Youre getting off easy by being made to kneel.

Xie He shook. He grit his teeth and continued to kneel.

But his body was really too frail. Not long after, he fainted again. This repeated several times, causing the two

momo

to lose their patience. They directly tied Xie Hes hands to a wooden stake so that he would continue to kneel even if he fainted. They then sat down on the side, gnawing at melon seeds and chatting.

In a blink of an eye, night fell. The

momo

went to have dinner. There was no one left in the courtyard. It was like they had all forgotten that Xie He was still kneeling here.

That night, a heavy downpour befell the

w.a.n.gfu

. Xie He hadnt eaten all day and had knelt here for such a long time. He ended up falling completely unconscious. His clothes stuck to his body, soaked from the rain, revealing his emaciated figure. He looked utterly pitiful.

But the

w.a.n.gfu

servants had no intentions of letting Xie He off. They were planning on watching as he knelt to his death.

Although Qi Qing had instructed the steward to take care of Xie He, he was still worried that the other was still not eating well. Tonight, he had gone looking for Xie He with food. But unexpectedly, the other wasnt in his courtyard. Qi Qing immediately felt a bad premonition spring up inside of him. He went to the steward to inquire about Xie He at once. There, he found out that Xie He had ruined Bai Qiuchis dress and was kneeling as punishment in Bai Qiuchis courtyard. That dress was indeed expensive so the steward could not go against Bai Qiuchi and help the courtesan.

Qi Qing didnt blame the steward. Regardless of whether Xie He had really ruined the dress, on the surface, it appeared that he had made a mistake. No one could say anything about Bai Qiuchi punis.h.i.+ng a servant who had made a mistake. The steward had no grounds to go ask for Xie He.

Qi Qing rushed to Bai Qiuchis courtyard, concerned. There, he saw Xie He kneeling on the ground, hands bound to a wooden stake amidst the dark and turbulent wind and rain. The others head was hanging down. It was obvious that he had fainted. Only half of his pale profile could be faintly seen. Qi Qing heart ached greatly! He wanted to rush over and save Xie He at once!

However, he didnt act rashly. This was Bai Qiuchis courtyard. Even if he didnt like Bai Qiuchi, Bai Qiuchi was still the person who had saved His Highness life. His Highness gave her a lot of respect. She was not someone he could b.u.t.t heads with at will. Moreover, Bai Qiuchi obviously felt hostility towards Xie He. What happened today was very likely intentional. If Qi Qing were to get involved without careful consideration, Bai Qiuchi may slander Xie He even more. She could claim that Xie He had seduced him and use that as an excuse to further harm Xie He.

Right now, only His Highnesss appearance could save Xie He. Qi Qing grit his teeth and left.

Xiao Yan was in his study. His stern face was dark. He had a book in his hand.

Qi Qing knocked and quietly called out, Your Highness.

Although it was already late at night, Xiao Yan still replied, Come in.

Qi Qing was his most trusted and capable subordinate. Something must have happened for him to come looking for him. Xiao Yan glanced at Qi Qing and said in a low voice, What has happened?

Qi Qing hesitated. He knew that he was being rash but if he didnt do anything, Xie He would die. It was just that if he were to directly ask His Highness to save Xie He, His Highness likely wouldnt go. Qi Qing gnashed his teeth and then said, Young Miss Bais placeyou should go take a look.

Xiao Yan had little patience for Bai Qiuchi these days. If it wasnt for back thenhow could he bear to tolerate her? Xiao Yan didnt want to go. However, if Qi Qing was asking him to go, some trouble must have occurred.

Xiao Yan furrowed his brows slightly and finally stood up. He said, I will go take a look.

The author has something to say:

After reading the comments, this author fainted from crying in the washroom again. Please give this story some nutrient fluid to soothe my injured heart.

Yingyingying

. _(:)_

Eve: My heart really, really hurts for the original YJ. Hes such a pure baby. And it only gets worse. I read halfway through this arc because it hurt too much to read in one go.

Yingyingying.

sere: d.a.m.n ok yall this is only the beginning. Also i totally guessed that backstory.