Chapter 53: Witnessing with One’s Own Eyes
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
After an evening filled with rounds of drinks and revelry, Lu Zheng Yue found himself deeply under the influence of alcohol. In a burst of inebriated affection, he gave Lu Jing Huai a hearty slap on the back, punctuated by a loud belch. “Burp… Honestly, it’s only you, my dear brother, who truly gets me… burp, understands me through and through. What greater joy is there than having such a friend by one’s side?”
Lu Jing Huai sighed softly, a hint of regret in his voice as he confessed, “I must admit, Zheng Yue, during your absence from the capital, unfortunate misunderstandings have arisen between myself and your esteemed Marquis family.”
He then elaborated, “You see, my mother has a unique taste for exquisite jewelry and often ends up purchasing rare and unusual pieces. Unfortunately, it recently came to light that some of your Marquis’s servants stole and sold pieces from Lady Xu’s dowry, items which my mother unknowingly acquired. This situation escalated to involve the magistrate’s office.”
He continued, “A few days ago, after facing a stern reprimand from my mother, my bookboy spitefully targeted your household, even going so far as to start a fire. Clearing up this mess has become quite complex, despite my lack of involvement.”
Clouded by alcohol, Lu Zheng Yue threw his arm around Lu Jing Huai’s shoulder and slurred, “What misunderstanding could there possibly be between us? We’re brothers… burp… true brothers at heart.” Then, he offered generously, “Any piece of jewelry that catches your eye, consider it yours. We’re closer than friends, akin to brothers for many years. Forget the jewelry; you’re even entitled to the Marquis’s title if you wish.”
During this exchange, Lu Jing Huai drank more, buoyed by the flattery. “You jest. That title is rightly held by your elder brother, Sir Yan Shu, who is well-known for his reputation and achievements.”
With a tipsy laugh, Lu Zheng Yue began to downplay his older brother’s significance, saying, “He… he doesn’t compare to you now.” Then, half in jest, he added mournfully, “Father… Father always chides us for lacking ambition. Burp, if only you were my true brother. The title would suit you best.”
As the surroundings blurred, Su Zhi Qing stepped in to support the heavily inebriated man. “Zh… Sir Zheng Yue, it seems you’ve overindulged. Let me help you to your room.” Despite Lu Zheng Yue’s unsteady gait and glazed look, Su Zhi Qing successfully escorted him and placed him on the bed.
With a hesitant voice, Su Zhi Qing addressed Lu Jing Huai with concern, “Sir Jing Huai, should we call for a servant? He seems deeply affected by the alcohol…” Her voice trailed off, filled with worry about Lu Zheng Yue’s well-being, yet cautious not to assume too much about his condition. Her expression was one of deep concern as she looked at Lu Jing Huai for guidance.
Lu Jing Huai responded with a warm smile and beckoned her closer, embracing her comfortingly. “Why keep calling me Sir? It’s overly formal. If you continue, I might consider it grounds for a playful punishment,” he teased, lightening the mood with a brief but passionate kiss, leaving Su Zhi Qing visibly flushed.
Biting her lip in nervous anticipation, Su Zhi Qing glanced at the sleeping Lu Zheng Yue. She expressed concern in a hushed tone, “I feared he might be pretending to be drunk. That’s why I’m acting this way, not to interfere with your plans,” she admitted quietly.
Lu Jing Huai laughed softly, his smile tinged with sarcasm. “After all the years we’ve known each other, do you really think I don’t understand him through and through? He trusts us completely. His mother is quite naive,” he chuckled. “For nearly two decades, she’s been oblivious. On the night my father married her, he started in their marital chamber but ended up with my mother in the room next door. That’s why my birthday is just days apart from Lu Yan Shu’s.”
Su Zhi Qing responded with empathy, “Mrs. Pei is truly benevolent and understanding. If not for Lady Xu’s esteemed family background, why would Mrs. Pei have endured so much over the years? Fortunately, you can set things right for her,” she said, moving closer to embrace him, now more at ease away from Lu Zheng Yue’s gaze.
Gently, Lu Jing Huai lifted her chin, his gaze intimate and probing. “Tell me, has he ever been close to you? Kissed you here? Or here? Or… here?” he asked, tracing her skin delicately.
Indignant but loyal, Su Zhi Qing firmly stated, “This body is yours alone. How could I permit him any liberties? He doesn’t deserve such intimacies. The mere idea of holding hands is enough to make Lu Zheng Yue blush like he’s committed a sin.”
Feeling uneasy about being intimate with Lu Jing Huai in the same room as the unconscious Lu Zheng Yue, Su Zhi Qing hesitantly suggested, “Shall we perhaps go to another room?” seeking a more private space.
But Lu Jing Huai refused, holding her dress with a gentle but firm grip. “No, let’s stay here. We’ve been in his proximity before. Remember when he was unconscious after falling from the cliff? You weren’t hesitant then. Qing Qing, let’s rekindle that fearlessness,” he coaxed, his gaze intense, recalling their previous daring encounter.
The memory of that unreserved moment thrilled Lu Jing Huai, who reveled in the audacity of their actions, especially with Lu Zheng Yue unconscious nearby. This twisted delight in their secret liaison, coupled with the risk of being caught, was a perverse game to him, especially with the added spice of being caught by Lu Zheng Yue, who had previously awoken amidst their indiscretion.
“Why don’t you miss me?” he asked suddenly, with a provocative bite on her lip, eliciting a sharp cry from Su Zhi Qing. She covered her mouth in shock, tears welling up. “How could I not miss you?” she sobbed. “I’ve given myself to you completely, yet you are to marry Miss Jiang.”
Unmoved, Lu Jing Huai replied coolly, “Jiang Yun Jin? She’s as expressive as a statue, utterly unlike you.”
Flushed with emotion, Su Zhi Qing asked, “Have you… ever been close with her?”
Lu Jing Huai chuckled and pinched her cheek. “Not at all. The very idea is laughable. With her high status, Jiang Yun Jin would never entertain such actions.”
His intention was clear: to stoke rivalry and discontent within Lu Zheng Yue towards the Marquis’s family, all to secure a future with Su Zhi Qing. Lu Zheng Yue, known for his loyalty and gratitude, was an ideal pawn in Lu Jing Huai’s game.
Attempting to console her, Lu Jing Huai whispered softly, “My mother misses you too. In her eyes, you’re the ideal daughter-in-law.”
Meanwhile, Lu Zheng Yue seemed lost in sleep, turned away from the unfolding drama. Yet, he unexpectedly opened his eyes, revealing a gaze filled with icy clarity. They underestimated him, thinking they could deceive him indefinitely if not for his sister’s warning, which shed light on their betrayal.
The sounds of intimacy and muted sighs of pleasure behind him made Lu Zheng Yue feel alienated. What he thought was a journey towards his happiness revealed itself as an elaborate deception, orchestrated manipulation.
Suddenly, Lu Zheng Yue coughed softly, causing the couple to halt, their bodies stiffening as if doused in freezing water. Feigning ignorance, he remained motionless, barely cracking his eyes open to glimpse the couple in their embrace.
“Uh… Qing Qing…” he whispered, silencing them.
Jolted by his voice, Lu Jing Huai quickly dressed with urgency. Similarly, Su Zhi Qing, fearful and hasty, scrambled to dress. They left in a rush, leaving behind a scene of disarray, their flushed faces and tousled appearances indicating their just-concluded indiscretion.
In the adjacent room, a group of elderly men sat, discussing the scandalous event.
“What a disgraceful act to engage in such behavior openly in the daylight.”
“This is a dining establishment, not a lodging place. Such misbehavior,” another elder commented, his white beard trembling with disdain.
These individuals were royal censors of North Zhao, known for their moral integrity within governance, willing to critique even the king. Their legacy included dramatic stands for justice.
Recognized for their principles, these elders represented a formidable force, even challenging the king’s decisions.
“That young man, wasn’t he Lu Jing Huai, the prodigy from the capital?” Their tone was disapproving, condemning the public display of indecency.
Lu Zheng Yue, present but unnoticed, listened silently.
One elder noted, “Considering Tianhong Academy’s esteem for him, and his top rankings in the royal exams…”
Another elder speculated on the young man’s future prospects, “Could it be that the king has him in mind for a position as tutor to the crown prince?”
This suggestion prompted shared concern among the men, acknowledging the potential influence Lu Jing Huai might wield within the royal court.