Becoming Puppet Emperor of a Paranoid Eunuch - Chapter 53

The hall was silent.

 

Ning Qinghong received no response.

 

He stood there for a moment, quietly counting in his mind, one by one. When he reached the end, he sighed softly at the still empty bedchamber.

 

Still hiding.

 

Ning Qinghong glanced around the room, his gaze pausing briefly on the huanghuali wood cabinet by the bed, used for storing clothes. He looked away with a meaningful expression.

 

He then walked over to the tea table by the window. Unhurriedly, he rolled up his sleeves, poured himself a cup of hot tea, and slowly sat down in the armchair beside him.

 

He rested one arm on the chair’s armrest,

 

And quietly sipped his tea.

 

After a few sips, he seemed to find the tea too strong, so he ground some tea leaves himself and brewed another pot.

 

The hot steam mixed with the fragrance of the tea, wafting into the air.

 

Ning Qinghong lowered his eyes, as if enjoying this peaceful moment alone. It was as though he had completely forgotten that there was still someone hiding in the sealed bedchamber.

 

**Wu Jing curled up his body, hiding inside the wardrobe filled with clothes. Though it was early autumn, the air inside was stagnant, and after being shut in for a while, it became stifling.**

 

He hugged his knees, clutching the two items in his hands, breathing carefully.

 

But he had just finished crying, and was still catching his breath. After holding it in for a while, his eyes began to ache, his entire body felt uncomfortable, and the closet was stuffy and hot, far from pleasant.

 

The young emperor, buried in the soft pile of clothes, started crying again. He had tried to leave, but couldn’t. He had tried to escape, but had nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.

 

The doors and windows of the bedchamber were tightly shut,

 

And guards were stationed everywhere.

 

When he had stolen the token to leave the palace, he had thought it would be simple—just reach the palace gates with the token, and he could leave.

 

It wasn’t until this moment that Wu Jing realized, too late, that he couldn’t even leave this small bedchamber. Even if he could, he had no idea how to find his way out of the palace.

 

Which gate was the one he wanted to exit from?

 

Unable to face reality, he curled up in this tiny wardrobe as if it were his bird’s nest, too scared to break through the shell and stick his head out.

 

He only wanted to stay in his warm little nest.

 

But the boy had never experienced anything intense enough to force him to grow quickly.

 

When facing danger, avoidance is anyone’s first instinct.

 

Wu Jing bit his lip hard to hold back his tears. His face was soaked, and even his clothes were drenched.

 

He didn’t know how long he cried,

 

But he felt overheated, as if he had been sweating.

 

After venting, Wu Jing suddenly realized how long he had been in the wardrobe, yet no one had found him.

 

He cautiously took shallow breaths, trying to recall if anyone had searched for him while he was crying so desperately.

 

Could it be that they couldn’t find him,

 

And had left?

 

Wu Jing didn’t know, he only vaguely remembered that while he was crying, he didn’t hear any noises from outside. Or maybe he just didn’t notice?

 

He couldn’t remember.

 

Had Ning Qinghong left too?

 

Wu Jing didn’t dare to guess.

 

He stayed curled up in the wardrobe for a while longer, waiting and waiting, until he was so hungry and sore all over that he couldn’t stay hidden any longer.

 

Maybe they’re gone?

 

Should he take a look?

 

Just open the door a little,

 

If no one was there, he would come out.

 

Wu Jing placed his reddened fingertips on the wardrobe door, then paused. In the dim light, he glanced down at the bronze rod and token in his arms.

 

He then began to quietly hide them, one by one, among the piles of clothes behind him.

 

Just hide them for a while,

 

He would take them back later.

 

Wu Jing covered the blood-colored jade pendant at his waist, trying to move as quietly as possible while tucking the items away. But despite his efforts, the movement still made some noise.

 

Terrified, he froze in place for a moment before carefully pushing the wardrobe door open.

 

The crack wasn’t large,

 

But it was enough for Wu Jing to see outside.

 

He saw a long robe of deep purple silk trailing on the ground.

 

Wu Jing held his breath and instinctively looked up, meeting Ning Qinghong’s casually lowered gaze.

 

In that instant, Wu Jing’s mind went blank. He forgot how to move, even forgot how to breathe.

 

A faint scent of tea lingered around Ning Qinghong, and who knew how long he had been sitting there, waiting for this moment.

 

He slowly rose and stood in front of the wardrobe door.

 

Then he leaned down slightly,

 

And crouched.

 

As Ning Qinghong moved closer, Wu Jing suddenly snapped back to reality. He began breathing heavily, trying desperately to back away, but there was nowhere to go. The wardrobe was too small; he was trapped.

 

The young emperor could only hug himself helplessly,

 

Tears streaming down his face.

 

He had waited for him to come out on his own,

 

How could he do this?

 

How could he bully him like this?

 

It was too cruel.

 

Ning Qinghong reached out his hand, pausing in midair. His expression was calm, almost devoid of any emotion.

 

Wu Jing, through tear-filled eyes, saw the familiar gesture.

 

It was so familiar that it triggered an instinctive urge to lean toward him. Even without Ning Qinghong saying a word, Wu Jing knew that he was being beckoned.

 

Wu Jing sniffled, trembling with fear, but too scared to resist. He hesitantly leaned toward Ning Qinghong,

 

And embraced him.

 

Ning Qinghong slightly extended his long arm forward, wrapping it around Wu Jing. He nearly leaned his upper body into the small cabinet, but the cramped space and the humid, tear-stained air made him furrow his brows before he released his hold.

 

He maintained his posture, not moving.

 

Quietly waiting for the boy to reach out and embrace him.

 

The scent of Wu Jing’s clothes was the same as Ning Qinghong’s, imbued with the rich, deep fragrance of the floating gold patterns. After being trapped inside for so long, the scent had intensified, almost making it possible to smell the tears soaked into his clothes.

 

Wu Jing didn’t bury his face in Ning Qinghong’s shoulder and neck this time; instead, he nestled against his chest. When he felt the fingers gently resting on his back, he heard Ning Qinghong, who had slightly turned his face, ask softly by his ear, “What are you hiding from?”

 

His tone was eerily calm,

 

As if he wasn’t angry at all.

 

But Wu Jing remembered that Ning Qinghong had the same demeanor in the Yueji Hall—calmly asking a few questions one moment, and drawing his sword the next.

 

The young emperor could only shake his head desperately. “No, no,” he said, his voice still tinged with sobs, “I wasn’t hiding, I wasn’t hiding.”

 

Before he could finish speaking, it seemed like he was about to cry again.

 

Ning Qinghong seemed to smile as he softly asked, “Then why have you been in here for almost half an hour?”

 

Wu Jing couldn’t answer, only sniffling.

 

Ning Qinghong asked again, “Why didn’t you speak?”

 

Wu Jing could only shake his head.

 

Ning Qinghong sighed lightly, “Were you playing hide and seek with your brother?”

 

Wu Jing froze for a moment, then nodded frantically. “Yes, yes, we were playing!” Holding back tears and speaking with a heavy nasal tone, he said, “We were playing hide and seek.”

 

This excuse seemed like the last lifeline for Wu Jing, giving him the illusion that he had been let off the hook. He couldn’t help but tighten his grip, holding Ning Qinghong as tightly as he could.

 

He pressed himself deeper into Ning Qinghong’s embrace, kneeling and sitting up from the pile of clothes, lifting his tear-streaked, flushed face, and murmured “Mm-hmm” through his sobs, burying his face in Ning Qinghong’s shoulder and neck.

 

Wu Jing clung to him tightly, so tightly that the space between them was almost nonexistent, his body warmth and the heat of his tears seeping into Ning Qinghong.

 

The boy was so flustered that he didn’t notice the slight shift in Ning Qinghong’s expression as he turned his face and stared at him for a moment. Then, Ning Qinghong closed his eyes briefly and suddenly asked softly, “Why are you crying so pitifully?”

 

Ning Qinghong sighed and chuckled softly, “Was Wu Wu scared?”

 

Wu Jing was momentarily stunned, not quite comprehending what had happened, but he vaguely felt that Ning Qinghong’s tone had suddenly become much gentler.

 

There was a hint of satisfaction, as if he had been pleased.

 

This made Wu Jing feel dazed. His tears continued to fall, one after another, with no sign of stopping. He heard Ning Qinghong softly ask him again, “Why aren’t you speaking?”

 

Wu Jing was about to respond when he heard Ning Qinghong laugh softly by his ear, coaxing him, “Alright.”

 

Ning Qinghong gently stroked his back, running his fingers through Wu Jing’s dark hair, “Wu Wu, don’t cry anymore, okay?”

 

He spoke to him in a gentle, soothing voice.

 

In that instant, Wu Jing completely broke down. He sniffled, and couldn’t help but start crying even harder. Emotions are like that—once someone comforts you, it becomes impossible to hold them back.

 

Ning Qinghong’s chest was quickly soaked with tears, a large damp spot spreading across his clothes. He sighed softly in resignation, “Why is Wu Wu crying even more now?”

 

Wu Jing finally dared to sob out loud, “S-Scared.”

 

Ning Qinghong made a soft sound of acknowledgment, asking gently, “What are you scared of?”

 

Wu Jing shook his head.

 

Ning Qinghong seemed a bit troubled. “Let’s get out of the cabinet first, alright?” He added, “Be careful.” With one hand supporting Wu Jing, he placed the other hand protectively over his head, carefully lifting him out while avoiding the half-open cabinet door and its sharp edges.

 

The cabinet was right by the bed.

 

Ning Qinghong carried Wu Jing and sat on the bed.

 

Wu Jing continued to cry.

 

But this time, his crying wasn’t as intense as before. It seemed more like he was venting his feelings of fear and frustration, his sobs coming in small bursts. Though he was making quite a commotion, he still seemed somewhat aware of his surroundings.

 

Ning Qinghong gently told him to wait a moment and not to dirty the bedding. Wu Jing remained kneeling as Ning Qinghong removed his shoes and socks, then settled into a more comfortable position, wrapping his legs around Ning Qinghong’s waist.

 

Ning Qinghong didn’t speak much, but he allowed the boy to cling to him and cry, slowly comforting him with soft words.

 

Wu Jing couldn’t help but pour all his anxiety and fear into Ning Qinghong, drawing warmth from him.

 

He almost went limp in Ning Qinghong’s arms, barely able to maintain his position by clinging to his neck.

 

Wu Jing blinked, and another tear fell. His crying had lessened somewhat; now he was just silently shedding tears while leaning against Ning Qinghong.

 

Ning Qinghong, thinking he had finally stopped, slightly turned his face, his lips almost brushing against Wu Jing’s ear.

 

Wu Jing felt the warm breath on his ear and hazily realized that Ning Qinghong had never actively tried to kiss him.

 

Neither on his hair,

 

Nor on the corner of his eyes.

 

Ning Qinghong said, “Lift your head and let your brother have a look?”

 

Wu Jing obediently lifted his face, his vision blurred as he looked up, “Brother.”

 

His voice was timid,

 

Still tinged with fear.

 

His eyes were rimmed with red, his cheeks flushed pink,

 

Even his ears were warm to the touch.

 

Ning Qinghong watched him, oblivious to his tears, and sighed softly, “Wu Wu, lower your head.”

 

Wu Jing instinctively lowered his head.

 

After all, he was sitting on Ning Qinghong’s lap, so when he sat up straight, he naturally ended up being just a little bit taller, but not by much.

 

Thus, Ning Qinghong could easily reach his brow and eyes.

 

Without warning, Ning Qinghong caught one of Wu Jing’s tears, and with his eyes half-closed, he kissed the corner of the boy’s eye with a faint smile. It was as if he was simply wiping away the tears, but when he saw Wu Jing staring at him dumbly, forgetting even to cry and just foolishly gazing at him, Ning Qinghong laughed softly, “Finally stopped crying.”

 

“Wu Wu still scared?”

 

What kind of scare was this?

 

Wu Jing’s eyelids trembled.

 

Ning Qinghong raised his hand to wipe the tears and moisture from Wu Jing’s face. As his hand approached, Wu Jing couldn’t help but flinch slightly, trying to avoid him.

 

But then he stopped, realizing what he was doing,

 

Blinking nervously.

 

Ning Qinghong sensed his anxiety and used his fingertips to gently knead the back of Wu Jing’s neck, then slowly traced down to his waist.

 

It was as if he was lightly patting him.

 

The gesture carried no suggestive undertones,

 

It was purely comforting.

 

Though Ning Qinghong had no ulterior motives, Wu Jing’s waist felt a sudden tingling sensation, like an itch spreading through his body. The sensation was so pleasant that it was almost intoxicating, making him feel as though his consciousness was being numbed.

 

He let out a hot breath, his face flushing all the way down to the base of his neck.

 

Wu Jing couldn’t help but squirm, trying to get closer to Ning Qinghong as if to avoid something, but there was so little space between them that no matter how much he moved, he couldn’t escape the touch on his back.

 

And he didn’t dare to push him away.

 

If it were before, it might have been okay,

 

But now…

 

Wu Jing’s emotions gradually returned to him, and just as he was regaining some courage, it slipped away again.

 

But even though he didn’t try to avoid it, that tingling sensation kept building up, layer upon layer, making him unable to resist slumping forward.

 

It felt so good,

 

Mm.

 

Wu Jing didn’t even know where this pleasure was coming from. He couldn’t help but bury his face in Ning Qinghong’s hand, which was wiping away his tears, rubbing against it, and exhaling a warm breath, still dazed and confused.

 

Ning Qinghong paused, sensing something amiss, and half-smiling, he called, “Wu Wu?”

 

Wu Jing snapped back to reality, blinking as if puzzled by why Ning Qinghong had suddenly called him. But because they were so close, every word Ning Qinghong spoke sent warm breaths brushing against his sensitive ear and neck.

 

Wu Jing wanted to turn his face away, but in reality, he was so overwhelmed by the pleasure that he had no strength left. Even blinking was slow and sluggish, and when Ning Qinghong spoke, his breath made Wu Jing’s eyelids quiver.

 

Something felt wrong.

 

It seemed, it seemed—

 

The moment Wu Jing realized what was happening, his eyelids fluttered violently. He didn’t even care about being afraid anymore, unsure if he was more terrified now, and as tears welled up again, he frantically tried to crawl out of Ning Qinghong’s arms.

 

Crying, he wasn’t sure if the tears were from fear or embarrassment.

 

Wu Jing wanted to get away from Ning Qinghong, retreating further into the bed, wanting to clutch the bedding and hide himself away like he had in the wardrobe.

 

He was almost successful when he heard a soft sigh by his ear. It didn’t take much effort for Ning Qinghong to pull him back.

 

Since Ning Qinghong had wrapped his arms around Wu Jing’s waist from behind, when he pulled him back, Wu Jing had no choice but to change his position, now sitting in Ning Qinghong’s lap with his back to him.

 

Wu Jing’s tears flowed even harder. He didn’t understand why Ning Qinghong wouldn’t let him go. He was so scared of offending him, so scared that he couldn’t find a single thing he wasn’t afraid of.

 

“Wu Wu?”

 

“Wu Wu?”

 

“Listen to what your brother says, okay?”

 

Wu Jing sniffled and nodded.

 

Ning Qinghong spoke softly, “Wu Wu, do you remember the medicinal meals you’ve been eating with your brother?”

 

Wu Jing nodded.

 

Ning Qinghong explained gently, “Wu Wu used to not have enough to eat or wear, so the imperial doctors said you needed to be well-nourished; otherwise, you’d easily fall ill.” He continued to explain, “But those medicinal meals contain many strong supplements, and when mixed with meat, the blood and energy can easily become overwhelming.”

 

“Wu Wu, you snuck out to catch fish and eat them, didn’t you?”

 

Wu Jing sobbed out, “I-I’m sorry.”

 

Ning Qinghong soothed him with a smile, “So this isn’t Wu Wu’s fault,” then he chuckled softly, “Not now.”

 

“Wu Wu doesn’t need to be scared.”

 

Ning Qinghong reached around to touch Wu Jing’s face, rubbing his earlobe, and whispered by his ear, “And there’s no need to cry.”

 

“It’s nothing.”

 

“Your brother will teach you.”

 

Ning Qinghong murmured, “Be good, Wu Wu.”

 

Wu Jing turned his face away, leaning back, not daring to look forward. He cried, his sobs stuttering as he refused, “No, no.”

 

His reason for refusing was simple,

 

He still remembered.

 

“Dirty.” As soon as Wu Jing uttered that word, he shrank back, as if something had startled him. He turned around and reached out to hold onto the person behind him, crying so hard he was nearly a mess, stammering, “Brother… dislikes… dirty.”

 

Ning Qinghong seemed to find the statement absurd and laughed slowly, asking, “Does he?” He chuckled softly, “It’s okay.”

 

“Wu Wu…” Ning Qinghong laughed softly, uttering a single word, but Wu Jing could barely hear him anymore. He faintly heard Ning Qinghong continue, “…Even on your brother’s face, it’s fine.”

 

“It’s alright.”

 

Wu Jing’s eyes widened slightly,

 

His mind went blank.

 

Ning Qinghong instinctively half-closed his eyes, paused for a moment, and then slowly turned his face back with a faint smile.

 

Author’s Note:

 

Qinghong is helping Wuwu with his “shot”.

 

Huanghuali (黄花梨) wood, also known as **Dalbergia odorifera**, is a type of rosewood that is highly valued in Chinese furniture making, especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is prized for its beautiful grain, durability, and pleasant fragrance. The wood has a rich yellow-brown to reddish-brown color, and its grain often displays intricate patterns, making it a favorite material for high-end furniture and art pieces. Huanghuali is now rare and very expensive due to overharvesting and its limited supply.