Becoming Puppet Emperor of a Paranoid Eunuch - Chapter 57

Besides the kisses, there were other things. Although Ning Qinghong was indeed helping him, it felt like he was helping too much.

 

Moreover, if Ning Qinghong knew and no longer regarded him as a mere human-shaped pillow, why still engage in these affectionate acts?

 

Hugging was one thing, but kissing him, helping him, and even… even if it was like that, it was still a lot.

 

Wu Jing tossed and turned in his thoughts, too scared to think further.

 

But he needed to ask clearly, he couldn’t go on being so unclear about what was going on with someone…

 

The lingering sensation from earlier made Wu Jing’s limbs feel weak, hugging Ning Qinghong with feeble arms and legs, trying to guess what Ning Qinghong’s true feelings for him were.

 

Was it affection or just a casual interest, flattering him when amused and ignoring him when displeased?

 

His guess wasn’t baseless. Wu Jing recalled that this morning, when he left the court, Ning Qinghong hadn’t looked at him once or waited for him, just turned and left.

 

Wu Jing felt uncomfortable and tightened his embrace, burying his face deeper. He questioned himself if he disliked Ning Qinghong treating him this way.

 

He didn’t dislike it.

 

In fact, it was somewhat comforting.

 

Since he was buried deeply, Wu Jing could smell Ning Qinghong’s pleasant scent, filling his nose, and he was also drenched in this light fragrance.

 

The clothes he wore were chosen by Ning Qinghong, his wet hair was dried by Ning Qinghong’s hand, and even the meat for lunch was permitted by him.

 

Their interactions had unknowingly deepened to the point of being as essential as breathing, and Wu Jing hadn’t even realized that his every move was reliant on Ning Qinghong.

 

He was still lost in thought, entangled in Ning Qinghong’s embrace, his warm breath all over Ning Qinghong’s shoulder.

 

But even the long-time servants beside Ning Qinghong couldn’t guess what the Lord was thinking. Whether it was the dusters or the other ministers in the court, they were all too frightened to speculate about what the Ninth Lord thought of the Emperor.

 

But from his attitude, it was clear that he was protective,

 

Yet it was unknown to what extent.

 

Wu Jing felt increasingly distressed, realizing that no matter how Ning Qinghong treated him, even if he didn’t want it, he certainly couldn’t escape it.

 

All he wanted was to be well-fed, warmly dressed,

 

And to ensure his survival.

 

Wu Jing also didn’t know if the conversations he overheard outside the court today were truly Ning Qinghong’s thoughts.

 

Ning Qinghong hadn’t made it clear, only explaining why he killed that person. Wu Jing only knew who died but not what Ning Qinghong truly meant.

 

Therefore, he didn’t dare to ask or directly confront the fragile protective barrier that covered him, exposing himself completely.

 

He could only cautiously remain within his own shell, struggling to maintain the fragile, lie-woven shell.

 

And slowly, he would tear it away bit by bit.

 

Not daring to let it break all at once.

 

If the price for receiving these things was being…

 

Wu Jing, in his daze, thought of something else. Actually, it didn’t seem so bad.

 

After all, Ning Qinghong was just a eunuch,

 

And couldn’t really do anything to him.

 

Wu Jing felt like he had grasped at the last straw and slowly felt at ease, but then he thought again, feeling his bottom line shouldn’t be set so low.

 

Not to mention—

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

A gentle voice inquired near his ear.

 

Ning Qinghong seemed to sense the young man’s distress and held him tighter. His voice was warm, almost whispering in Wu Jing’s ear, with an unmistakable tone of care, gently soothing him, “Hmm?”

 

Wu Jing, stuttering in his mind, added softly—no, it’s not acceptable…

 

Ning Qinghong chuckled, “Why aren’t you speaking?” He asked softly, “What is Wu Wu thinking? If you don’t want to say, Brother will have the servants bring in the meal.”

 

After a long time,

 

Wu Jing slightly parted his lips, his voice too soft and trembling, “…Why…”

 

It was a muffled tone.

 

Ning Qinghong didn’t catch it clearly and said, “Hmm?”

 

Wu Jing looked up at him, asking quietly, “Why did you… kiss me?”

 

He faltered,

 

Feeling embarrassed.

 

Ning Qinghong seemed to smile, asking in return, “Really?” He appeared genuinely confused, asking openly, “When did Brother kiss Wu Wu?”

 

Wu Jing was taken aback, instinctively responding, “Just, just now… there was.”

 

The young man’s face was burning with embarrassment, and his voice became fainter and more stammering, wishing he could hide away.

 

Ning Qinghong asked with a smile, “Really?” He continued softly, “Wasn’t it Wu Wu who came to kiss me?”

 

Wu Jing was dazed again, recalling that it did seem that way, but…

 

The boy hastened to argue, “There was also… kissing before.”

 

Ning Qinghong seemed to recall as well, “Wasn’t it also Wu Wu who licked me before?” He smiled slowly, appearing nonchalant as if he had done nothing.

 

Wu Jing’s mind was a chaotic mess, struggling to remember.

 

…Was it so?

 

It seemed to be the case.

 

Previously, every single time, whether it was kissing Ning Qinghong’s eye corners, face, or lips… it was always him initiating the kiss.

 

Ning Qinghong hadn’t said a word, hadn’t instructed him to kiss here or there.

 

He hadn’t said anything at all,

 

It was all… his own guesses.

 

Wu Jing’s mind was in turmoil, completely stuck.

 

His face was flushed, and he nearly burst into tears, unable to find a single retort, discovering for the first time that there could be such a shameless person in the world.

 

How could it be like this?

 

Clearly, it was Ning Qinghong who had said misleading things and made misleading gestures. He had…

 

So shameless!

 

Wu Jing struggled to breathe, feeling as if he had finally found a clue against Ning Qinghong, “But you, you still did that… you… I—”

 

He couldn’t say a word,

 

And felt too embarrassed to speak.

 

Ning Qinghong responded with an “Hmm?” and said, “Isn’t it because Wu Wu didn’t listen to Brother and sneaked off to catch fish that it turned out this way?” He spoke with a half-smile, “If Brother doesn’t help Wu Wu, would Wu Wu be able to manage on his own?”

 

Ning Qinghong spoke sincerely, as if he was only afraid Wu Jing didn’t understand, and that he was helping to guide him.

 

Ning Qinghong then asked slowly, “Or did Wu Wu try it himself before and learned it, so there’s no need for Brother to teach?”

 

Wu Jing opened his mouth, then closed it again, unable to articulate anything clearly.

 

Seeing that Wu Jing was getting flustered, Ning Qinghong couldn’t help but chuckle. “Alright.” He leaned slightly forward and softly said, “Wu Wu? Look up.”

 

Wu Jing instinctively tilted his face upward.

 

In the next moment, Ning Qinghong gently kissed his lips, briefly lingering before slowly pulling away.

 

Wu Jing’s eyelids fluttered, and moisture filled his eyes again. He couldn’t stop himself from grabbing Ning Qinghong’s sleeve, subconsciously asking, “Brother? Why… why did you kiss me?”

 

Ning Qinghong seemed surprised that Wu Jing was fixated on this question. He half-closed his eyes, the young man in his arms looking up at him with pretty brows, eyes filled with confusion and affection.

 

Blinking in a daze,

 

His eyes reflecting Ning Qinghong’s figure.

 

Ning Qinghong paused, seeming like he might lean in to kiss him again, but suddenly stopped, squinting slightly while looking at Wu Jing through the space between them.

 

Wu Jing trembled slightly, obediently picking up on Ning Qinghong’s unspoken meaning, and cluelessly leaned in.

 

In the next moment, Ning Qinghong turned his face slightly, his brow showing a hint of restraint. Wu Jing’s lips brushed against the side of his face, leaving a damp mark.

 

The young man looked up in confusion, trying to understand.

 

Ning Qinghong’s lips were close to Wu Jing’s ear, and he whispered with a light laugh, “Wu Wu should think about it.”

 

With just these five words, what could Wu Jing understand?

 

It was unclear who was supposed to figure out the answer.

 

“Let’s have lunch.”

 

Ning Qinghong pushed Wu Jing out of his embrace, who stood there somewhat at a loss. Not knowing what was happening, he saw Ning Qinghong leisurely take a sip of tea before calling out, “Come in.”

 

A palace servant entered.

 

Ning Qinghong instructed, “Serve the meal.” He stood up, half-opened his hand, and looked at Wu Jing slowly, “Today, the imperial kitchen has prepared dishes that Wu Wu wants to eat. Eat whatever you like.”

 

“There’s no need to avoid anything.”

 

On ordinary days, Wu Jing would be overjoyed to hear this, but now his mind was elsewhere, and he merely nodded absentmindedly.

 

Still unsure what had happened earlier.

 

Finally arriving at the dining hall, seeing a table full of dishes—chicken, duck, fish, meat, turtle soup, and squab—after ten days without much meat, Wu Jing’s thoughts finally shifted to the food.

 

Fuchen arranged the meal, noticing that the usually meat-loving emperor seemed distracted and thought that he might have lost his appetite after a punishment and crying session, so he specially added some appetizing dishes.

 

Seeing that the Lord could finally have some meat after avoiding that awful medicinal diet, he happily served a bowl of turtle soup.

 

Ning Qinghong was much like usual,

 

Except he didn’t avoid food when he picked up his chopsticks.

 

Wu Jing quietly ate, following whatever Fuchen served, eating peacefully.

 

Ning Qinghong ate without speaking, until Fuchen was about to serve the young emperor another bowl of turtle soup. He finally spoke slowly, “Remove it.”

 

Fu Chen tapped his forehead and said, “Look at my memory. Your Majesty mustn’t touch these. I’ll have it removed right away.” He had the turtle soup taken away and, seeing that the two masters had nearly finished eating, instructed the palace servants to bring out the fruit, pastries, and sweet soup for dessert. 

 

A small porcelain plate, about the size of a palm, was brought out, covered with a lid. Fu Chen carefully lifted the lid, tested it with a silver needle, and then turned to fetch a short dagger.

 

In that moment, Wu Jing finally saw what it was—a small round pastry. He watched as Fu Chen, using a familiar motion, cut the round pastry and placed a piece on his plate, then gave him another piece. 

 

Fu Chen said, “Your Majesty, try this. It’s a new pastry from the imperial kitchen, with added sugar frosting. If you like it, we can use this for the mooncakes at the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet in a couple of days.”

 

Mid-Autumn? Mooncakes? Wu Jing carefully picked it up and took a precious bite. It was sweet with red bean paste—indeed the taste of Mid-Autumn. 

 

Author’s note: Wuwu: Can’t argue, so frustrated!