Becoming Puppet Emperor of a Paranoid Eunuch - Chapter 62

There were still many people by the river releasing lanterns. Ning Qinghong removed the first few words and, in Wu Jing’s voice, slowly wrote the remaining words on the paper slip: “Get well soon.”

 

Then, he let the boy release the lantern by himself.

 

Wu Jing wasn’t upset. “Brother, can you hold it for me?”

 

He wanted to hold Ning Qinghong’s hand with one hand, but he had two lanterns to carry, and with one hand already holding his own, he really didn’t have a free hand.

 

Ning Qinghong took the lantern Wu Jing handed him, holding it carelessly with one hand, lost in thought, while quietly watching the boy enjoy himself.

 

They had only taken a few steps before someone tugged at Ning Qinghong’s sleeve, saying they wanted to trade lanterns with him.

 

Ning Qinghong asked, “Brother is holding his own lantern. Why does Wu Wu want to trade?”

 

Wu Jing replied, “Because Brother isn’t being serious.” His response was completely instinctive, and anyone could see that he hadn’t thought it through. There was no fabrication at all. The boy looked up, saying, “The lantern will go out.”

 

“If I hold it for you, it won’t get blown out.”

 

Ning Qinghong asked him, “What about yours?”

 

Wu Jing shook his head and clumsily said, “I’m not worried.” He added softly, “I’m not afraid of it going out.”

 

He reached out his hand, “Brother, let’s trade.”

 

He didn’t explain why he wasn’t afraid that his own lantern might go out, but the reason was probably the same as before.

 

The wish Wu Jing had written down had already been granted a long, long time ago.

 

So even if the lantern went out now, it wouldn’t matter.

 

Ning Qinghong paused, half-smiling as he traded lanterns with Wu Jing. But after the exchange, he finally raised his hand, holding the lantern a bit higher than before, no longer letting it hang down carelessly.

 

He didn’t believe in such things, but he knew that Wu Jing rarely left the palace and hadn’t seen many of these new and exciting things, and was now having fun.

 

But the intention was good.

 

It was clear to see.

 

Wu Jing led Ning Qinghong to the riverbank. They stood beside a stone arch bridge that spanned the river. They descended the stone steps and stood at the corner under the bridge. Apart from the palace attendants following them, there weren’t many people around.

 

There were more people walking on the bridge and farther along the riverbank.

 

Wu Jing carefully crouched down. With Ning Qinghong holding his hand, he wasn’t afraid of falling into the river. He leaned over and stretched out his hand, gently and carefully placing the lantern into the water, watching as it floated away with the current.

 

He then looked up, tilting his face to look at Ning Qinghong, reaching out to take the lantern from his hand.

 

Ning Qinghong leaned over and handed it to him. Wu Jing, delighted, released the second lantern and crouched there, watching as it floated farther and farther away, blending in with the thousands of other lanterns. He anxiously watched to see if his two lanterns would get knocked over, but as he watched, they eventually disappeared from sight. He frowned in confusion, searching repeatedly before finally giving up.

 

But he quickly cheered up again, his eyes curving into a shallow smile as he gazed at the countless lights on the river, like stars illuminating the night, drifting farther and farther away.

 

Wu Jing clapped his hands, still wanting more. As he stood up and turned around, he suddenly found himself facing Ning Qinghong. He had forgotten about the person next to him, and now, caught off guard, he turned around, only to meet Ning Qinghong’s gaze.

 

He was startled and instinctively looked up at him, his movements slow and bewildered, his eyelashes trembling. His eyes were filled with nothing but the figure in front of him.

 

Ning Qinghong looked at him and suddenly smiled, asking, “Wu Wu, how do you know what kind of illness Brother has?”

 

Wu Jing was taken aback, repeating the question in confusion, “What kind of illness does Brother have?”

 

Ning Qinghong paused, then smiled and asked, “Wu Wu doesn’t know?”

 

Wu Jing shook his head, repeating after him, “I don’t know.”

 

Ning Qinghong’s gaze deepened. He smiled slightly and raised his hand to remove the cloak draped over him, moving neither abruptly nor too slowly, as he asked, “Then if Wu Wu doesn’t know, why did you make a wish for Brother?”

 

Wu Jing was puzzled, not understanding why Ning Qinghong was asking this. Although he didn’t know, that didn’t stop him from wishing for Ning Qinghong’s health.

 

So while Ning Qinghong was unfastening his cloak, Wu Jing racked his brain, trying to figure out how to explain his simple thought process. After a while, he slightly parted his lips, trying to say seriously, “Even if I don’t know, I can still make a wish—”

 

Before he could finish, his vision blurred for a moment.

 

Ning Qinghong had lifted the cloak, as if intending to drape it over him. Wu Jing instinctively closed his eyes for a moment, but in the next instant, he felt something press against the back of his head. Long fingers, still separated by the cloak, exerted a slight force, guiding Wu Jing to lean forward.

 

In the next moment, Ning Qinghong leaned down, lowering his body.

 

As he did so, he let out a light sigh, half-laughing as he said, “It’s alright, you’re completely covered.” He lowered his voice, “No one else can see.”

 

He knew Wu Jing would be shy, but before the boy could say anything, Ning Qinghong had already unfastened his cloak, intending for this very moment, so that the large, pale blue cloak could completely cover them both.

 

He had thought of this a long time ago.

 

Wu Jing was now wrapped inside the cloak, as if it had suddenly become his protective shell. And now, Ning Qinghong leaned in, invading the space without warning, still smiling and sighing, “Wu Wu is too good.”

 

As if explaining the reason,

 

Why he would suddenly kiss him.

 

Wu Jing hadn’t yet processed what was happening, and instinctively tried to retreat. But he forgot that this protective shell, the cloak, was also given to him by Ning Qinghong.

 

No matter how he tried to escape, it would only mean sinking deeper in.

 

Ning Qinghong whispered softly, “Wu Wu, look up.”

 

Wu Jing blinked in confusion, his eyelashes trembling. He obediently stood still, then obediently tilted his face up.

 

Ning Qinghong kissed his lips, and between the gaps, he murmured, “Open your mouth.”

 

Tears welled up in Wu Jing’s eyes. He didn’t know what was happening, why it was so sudden, and why it was happening outside, with so many people around, even if… even if the cloak covered them.

 

But if anyone noticed, they would immediately see what they were doing. His face flushed pink with embarrassment, his breath hot, and his neck and ears turned a deep red.

 

But he couldn’t refuse. Dizzy and flustered, he opened his mouth, allowing the other person to invade.

 

Ning Qinghong didn’t care at all. Today, he wore a wide-sleeved robe in a tea-white color, adorned with golden crane patterns. In contrast to Wu Jing, who was completely covered by the cloak, he was exposed, standing tall and unmistakable.

 

Or perhaps, if Wu Jing didn’t care,

 

He wouldn’t even have taken off the cloak.

 

His movements were gentle, unhurried, and gradual. The boy’s lips and tongue were kissed until they were wet, his lips soft and full. He was so embarrassed that he could only close his eyes helplessly, on the verge of tears.

 

But he didn’t know where he could go to cry. All he could do was timidly tighten his grip on the hand that held his, seeking protection, while his other hand slowly reached up to grasp Ning Qinghong’s collar.

 

Wu Jing panted, his breath hot and sticky. The space was too small for him, and he only felt unbearably hot, his whole body burning.

 

His eyes were damp, whether from tears or sweat, as he gasped for breath in the brief moments between kisses.

 

He felt a bit uncomfortable.

 

He didn’t know why it was different from before, why it was so hard to breathe, why it was so uncomfortable, because Ning Qinghong hadn’t left him any space to catch his breath.

 

He couldn’t catch his breath, so he kept his mouth open, the sound of his breathing mixed with sobs, whimpering as if begging Ning Qinghong to stop, just for a moment.

 

To make him feel better.

 

But even though Wu Jing was this uncomfortable, he still stood obediently in place. He didn’t hide, didn’t pull away, and didn’t turn his face aside.

 

From beginning to end, he stood there with his face tilted up, mouth open.

 

Incredibly obedient.

 

Ning Qinghong paused, intending to give him a moment to breathe. But in the next instant, the boy, dazed and confused, tiptoed and leaned forward, kissing him again, sticking out his tongue to lick his lips.

 

Tears streamed down Wu Jing’s face uncontrollably as he cried, as if he had been bullied terribly. Yet, at the same time, he clung to Ning Qinghong, holding him close.

 

Ning Qinghong let him lick unknowingly, and with a smile, softly called out, “Wu Wu?”

 

Wu Jing gradually regained some clarity, stopping in a dazed and confused state. Realizing what had happened, he was so ashamed that he wished he could dig a hole on the spot and hide himself in it.

 

But he couldn’t stop crying, and the more he cried, the worse it got.

 

Ning Qinghong tried to comfort him with a soft “Hmm?” and asked in a low voice, “What’s wrong?” He sighed lightly, “Why are you crying so hard again?”

 

Wu Jing stammered through his tears, “I-I…” He could barely speak, his voice choked with sobs, “What… what should I do?”

 

“What… should you do?”

 

His crying became more intense, accompanied by sniffles.

 

Wu Jing whimpered, “People will see and laugh at me.” He spoke in broken, barely audible words, tears constantly streaming down his face, “I can’t… can’t go back.”

 

He sniffled, nearly crying himself into unconsciousness, “It’s all… all your fault for kissing me.”

 

He said this instinctively, and the next moment, he shut his mouth, not daring to say another word. He held it in, his cheeks soaked with tears.

 

But then he heard Ning Qinghong’s voice in his ear, carrying a hint of laughter. The other man didn’t seem to take offense, only asking, “Should brother carry Wu Wu back?”

 

Wu Jing was stunned for a moment before he nodded slightly, then, still crying, he stood on tiptoe and reached out to Ning Qinghong.

 

Ning Qinghong didn’t laugh at him, but bent down, picked Wu Jing up to face him, supporting his legs, while still keeping the crane cloak draped over the boy, only allowing the top of his head to peek out.

 

Wu Jing wrapped his arms around Ning Qinghong’s neck, burying his face into the crook of his shoulder and neck. It wasn’t until he finally stopped crying that he angrily wiped his tears on Ning Qinghong’s clothes.

 

He wasn’t wrong; it was all Ning Qinghong’s fault.

 

He made him take the medicinal soup without telling him what it was for, and when he saw Wu Jing secretly eating meat, he didn’t explain anything.

 

Wu Jing had thought it was nothing serious.

 

But now, just being kissed made him react like this—

 

Wu Jing huddled in Ning Qinghong’s arms, sniffling, his eyelids damp with tears. It was easy for him to start crying, but hard to stop, and now he was unconsciously shedding more tears.

 

He was just scared, hiding himself under the crane cloak, afraid that anyone might see his current disheveled state.

 

In a haze, he felt that Ning Qinghong seemed to be walking back, half-smiling as he instructed someone to prepare a sedan chair.

 

Then came the waiting.

 

Ning Qinghong gently stroked Wu Jing’s back, kneading the nape of his neck, then leisurely traced his long fingers from the back of Wu Jing’s neck down to the base of his spine.

 

Because of the layers of the crane cloak and the clothes underneath, the touch was light and almost imperceptible, but it made Wu Jing feel even more tingling.

 

He already…

 

The boy couldn’t stop whimpering, and those who heard him would only think he was still crying from some grievance.

 

Wu Jing couldn’t help but hold Ning Qinghong tighter. He couldn’t even tell, just thinking that Ning Qinghong was really comforting him, and not knowing if anyone was around, he didn’t dare to straighten up and push him away.

 

He wanted to tell him to stop touching him.

 

Finally, when the soft sedan was brought over, Wu Jing was almost unconscious, his breath hot, his mind foggy and spinning, occasionally trembling.

 

He faintly felt himself being carried by Ning Qinghong into the sedan.

 

The curtains on both sides of the sedan were drawn down by the palace attendants, and because of the rush, there was no time to light the lamps. When the front curtain was also dropped, the surroundings suddenly plunged into darkness.

 

At that moment, Wu Jing couldn’t hold it in any longer. After stifling it for so long, he finally dared to cry out loud.

 

The sedan swayed gently as it passed through the busy streets. Compared to the noise outside, inside the sedan, apart from the boy’s sobs, there was only darkness.

 

Because the sedan was only large enough for one person to sit in, Wu Jing was still sitting on Ning Qinghong’s lap.

 

Ning Qinghong lightly patted the boy’s back, softly comforting him, “Why are you crying again?” as if he had no idea why.

 

Wu Jing tried to avoid Ning Qinghong’s hand, but he was already sitting on his lap, held close, and the only way to avoid him was to arch his back. Fearing that people outside the sedan might hear, he could only mutter through choked breaths, “D-Don’t… don’t pat me.”

 

Ning Qinghong had to stop patting him and instead began to rub his soft earlobe, chuckling as he asked again, “What’s wrong, Wu Wu?”

 

How could he possibly answer?

 

Wu Jing cried in embarrassment.

 

He said he didn’t want to be patted, so Ning Qinghong really stopped. In the pitch black, he used his fingertips to gently rub Wu Jing’s ear and cheek, wiping away the tears at the corners of his eyes. Gradually, Wu Jing’s strength left him, and he slumped against Ning Qinghong’s shoulder, taking shallow breaths.

 

He had cried so hard that his nose was stuffed.

 

The sedan swayed for an unknown amount of time before a palace servant outside reported, “Your Highness, we’ve arrived.”

 

Ning Qinghong responded.

 

Only after hearing the response did the palace servant step forward to lift the curtain, waiting respectfully for the prince to step down. The gate of the Ning Residence was wide open, ready to welcome the master back.

 

The moment the light from outside flooded in,

 

Wu Jing quickly hid himself back under the crane cloak.

 

Ning Qinghong then carried him, unhurriedly stepping out of the sedan, straightening up and walking toward the residence. “No need to follow,” he ordered, and then softly coaxed, “Why are you still hiding?”

 

“We’re here now; no one will see you.”

 

“It’s okay now.”

 

Wu Jing had no strength left, only shaking his head, rubbing his face against Ning Qinghong’s shoulder, just wanting to get inside quickly, to curl up for a while, far away from Ning Qinghong, just for a little while.

 

Just a little while, and everything would be fine.

 

Ning Qinghong walked slowly, smiling as he gently smoothed Wu Jing’s hair, his fingers stopping at the nape of his neck. He asked again, “Wu Wu, you’ve cried and sweated from the heat. Shall we soak in the hot spring later?”

 

Wu Jing could only shake his head, unable to say a single word.

 

Ning Qinghong chuckled softly. He continued to stroke Wu Jing’s back, casually soothing him, “Then we won’t go.”

 

Why… why again…

 

Didn’t he say he wouldn’t do this?

 

Wu Jing could only cling tightly to Ning Qinghong, unable to control himself as he tightened his legs around Ning Qinghong’s waist.

 

Was he doing it on purpose?

 

How could he be so mean?

 

Wu Jing cried, using his tearful voice to urge him to hurry back. The next moment, Ning Qinghong suddenly paused, seeming to notice something. He glanced up at the bright full moon in the night sky and smiled, “Wu Wu, didn’t you say yesterday that you wanted to watch the moon with brother?”

 

“The moon is perfectly round tonight.”

 

“Why don’t you look?”

 

Wu Jing shook his head incessantly, crying, “N-No, I don’t want to.” He sobbed, “I don’t… don’t want to look anymore.”

 

Ning Qinghong sighed softly, as if he were scolding the boy for going back on his word, but then he seemed to forgive him, helplessly saying, “Alright, we’ll do as Wu Wu says. We won’t look.”

 

Wu Jing finally managed to nod for once, “Mm-mm,” he responded mindlessly.

 

Ning Qinghong carried him back to the bedroom, ordering the servants inside to leave. Wu Jing heard the creak of the door finally closing, and the surroundings fell into a quiet, candle-lit stillness.

 

Wu Jing’s entire body instantly went limp.

 

Ning Qinghong let go, and the crane cloak covering the boy fell to the ground. “Wu Wu? Lift your head, let brother help you take off the fur coat; you’ve sweated from the heat.”

 

Wu Jing struggled to sit up, but even if he didn’t lift his head, Ning Qinghong could do whatever he wanted.

 

After the heavy fur coat, similar in thickness to the crane cloak, also fell to the ground, Wu Jing finally felt a slight chill, but it did nothing to ease the heat he felt all over.

 

He only felt as if he had a fever, wondering why even his breath was hot.

 

Ning Qinghong sat on the bed, still composed as ever, smiling as he said, “Wu Wu? It’s alright now; let brother help you.”

 

Wu Jing shook his head, loosening his grip as he tried to crawl away toward the bed. But he hadn’t even taken a step when he was caught by the waist, forced to stay in his seated position on Ning Qinghong’s lap.

 

Ning Qinghong whispered, “Be good.”

 

Wu Jing looked down, tears falling again. As soon as their bodies touched, he couldn’t help but cling to Ning Qinghong’s neck, crying out in refusal, “N-No, brother… I… I can do it myself.”

 

Conflicted beyond measure.

 

Torn by conflicting emotions, Wu Jing’s crying grew more intense. Unable to stop the sobs, he pushed against Ning Qinghong—his shoulders, his hands, his entire being—desperately trying to crawl away toward the bed.

 

But when he was held back, he struggled to turn around, his toes reaching for the ground as he tried to escape.

 

Ning Qinghong sighed, “Why are you being so disobedient?”

 

Wu Jing, on the verge of collapse, pushed him with all his might, his voice breaking, “Let go, let go.” He was crying so hard that he couldn’t form a complete sentence. “I need… to go to the small room.”

 

“I need to—”

 

“Wu Wu wants… I want…”

 

He was so incoherent that he didn’t even know how to speak properly.

 

Ning Qinghong chuckled, pulling him into his arms. “What does Wu Wu want?” He clearly knew the answer, yet he still asked.

 

Wu Jing couldn’t go anywhere; he was met with another kiss.

 

“Your happiness is what matters, Wu Wu. Your brother doesn’t mind.”

 

“It’s okay to make a mess; your brother hasn’t bathed yet, so he’ll just change his clothes afterward.”

 

“It’s natural to lose control like this,” Ning Qinghong said softly between kisses, soothing him. “Let’s just stay here.”

 

“It’s alright.”

 

He moved his fingers, showing no sign of hesitation, only deepening the kiss.

 

Wu Jing shuddered suddenly, his sobs catching in his throat. He stared blankly upwards, only able to breathe instinctively, no other sound coming out.

 

In the background, he faintly heard the sound of water trickling, muffled as it soaked into the bedding and Ning Qinghong’s clothes.

 

The boy’s pupils dilated into a void.

 

Wu Jing was silent for a long while before suddenly letting out a choked cry, sobbing so hard that he could barely catch his breath. He was overwhelmed, feeling as if he could never face anyone again.

 

He truly had soaked Ning Qinghong from head to toe.