Sharing a Bed with a Certain Someone (vii)
Edited: 03.24.2024
Ruan Qing’s movement stopped and he looked at Xiao Ziheng with some anxiety, fearing that this uncertain man would suddenly make things difficult.
Seeing him like this, Xiao Ziheng thought it was because the calluses on his hand, the ones he got from practicing martial arts all year round, had hurt him. Just when he was about to say something to comfort him, Ruan Qing suddenly knelt down in front of him dejectedly: “Your Second Imperial Majesty, what happened today was all ordered by His First Imperial Majesty, none of it was my intention! Seeing that I have wholeheartedly done my best to serve you, can you please spare my life?…..”
After saying that, two tears rolled down his cheeks.
Dark lines could be seen hanging from Xiao Ziheng’s forehead and he was somewhat puzzled, “When did this Prince say I wanted to kill you? You’re thinking too much about it.”
Ruan Qing was startled. He then raised his little face to look at him pitifully, his peach blossom eyes were hazy with moisture, “Really? Your Second Imperial Majesty doesn’t blame me?”
Xiao Ziheng felt something off in his heart. He vaguely felt that there was a pit ahead of him, but he still jumped in without hesitation: “Of course, you are loyal and protective of your master, how could this Prince kill innocents indiscriminately?”
Ruan Qing blinked, then quietly came up to him with a flattering smile: “Then……since Your Second Imperial Majesty doesn’t blame me, can you let my mother and sister stay in the governor’s residence to recuperate?”
Aha, so the pit was here. Xiao Ziheng was secretly amused as he said with a cold and unsympathetic look on his face, “Don’t even think about it. What is this Prince supposed to do if my precious body is damaged because a sick person is staying in the governor’s residence?”
Ruan Qing hurriedly raised his four fingers and swore with conviction, “Reporting back to Your Second Imperial Majesty, I already know the source of this epidemic, and guarantee that I can help Your Majesty eliminate the epidemic and make great achievements.”
The corner of Xiao Ziheng’s mouth twitched slightly. Ruan Qing keenly noticed this and immediately moved forward to tug on his sleeves, “Please, Your Majesty? I promise that when I return to the palace, I will serve you tea, treat your illnesses, grind your inkstones, and of course, warm your bed. I will definitely be ten times more diligent than I am now!”
He was being so honest that Xiao Ziheng almost couldn’t hold back his smile, “But you don’t get up until late in the morning, how can this Prince count on you?”
Ruan Qing recalled the embarrassing stories in the manor. Even though he was supposed to be serving Xiao Ziheng, in the end, it was Xiao Ziheng who sent two people to serve him. He smiled awkwardly: “It’s only human nature to sleep in…..I promise you I won’t do it when we head back! Your Second Imperial Majesty, please believe in me!”
Xiao Ziheng glanced at him. He felt that this person was really too cute and idiotic and he couldn’t help but want to tease him: “Okay, then there is no need to call the servants to come in and serve me tonight. You can serve this Prince tonight.”
“Huh?” Ruan Qing was dumbfounded when he heard this, what kind of joke was this?! Staying in a room with Xiao Ziheng was already scary enough, now he had to serve him at night? That was basically the same as asking for his life!
“Your Second Imperial Majesty, please reconsider. I have nightmares and like grinding my teeth and snoring at night. Your Majesty will definitely not be able to sleep well if I am to serve you…..”
“Warming my bed,” Xiao Ziheng stretched and stood up, stopping him with one sentence: “You said it yourself. If the Prince is satisfied, your mother and sister can stay in the residence to recuperate.”
Ruan Qing: “……”
As the saying goes, accompanying royalty was like accompanying a tiger. Ruan Qing felt that what was even more terrifying than working with the tiger was having to sleep on the same bed as the tiger, just like now.
Xiao Ziheng and Ruan Qing were separated by a bamboo screen. Although he couldn’t see him, the sound of rushing water was clear. In addition, Xiao Ziheng always loved incense. The elegant plum fragrance mixed with hot water vapor lingered on the tip of Ruan Qing’s nose, turning his ears a bright red.
“Have you finished bathing, Your Second Imperial Majesty? Do you need me to……go in and help you change?”
His voice was like a mosquito as he anxiously held the clean inner garment, wishing he could fly away from where he was.
Xiao Ziheng was silent for a long time, but in the end, he decided to let him off: “Just leave it there. Go and get the bed ready.”
Once Ruan Qing was pardoned, he immediately agreed. After putting the clothes on the stool with a red face, he flew back to the room to make the bed without even daring to raise his head.
The bed in the governor’s residence was extremely large and could accommodate two or three people. Ruan Qing was actually secretly happy. If Xiao Ziheng had a conscience, he might be able to sleep on the bed instead of the floor tonight.
But when he thought of Xiao Ziheng’s cold face, Ruan Qing couldn’t help but shudder. He might as well sleep on the floor, at least his life wouldn’t be in danger.
The weather in Huizhou was unpredictable, with a huge temperature difference between day and night. It was scorching hot during the day, but chilly at night, and the bedding was tainted with coolness.
Ruan Qing struggled for a while before finally closing his eyes and steeling his heart. Then he lifted up the quilt and lay down on the bed.
He couldn’t help but shiver when he touched the cold bedding. He endured as he started moving around a bit, spreading his body temperature to every corner of the bed before finally shivering in the corner.
If you aren’t reading this on acupofhalfmoon.wordpress.com, then it has been reposted without permission. Please don’t give ad revenue to them and come join us for tea. I promise we don’t bite.
Damn it! Ruan Qing was so angry that his teeth itched, Xiao Ziheng really knew how to enjoy himself.
Before he could finish being angry, he suddenly felt a noise coming from the other side. Knowing that it was Xiao Ziheng, he quickly poked his head out of the quilt and said with a smile: “Your Second Imperial Majesty! The bed has been…..”
Before he could finish his sentence, the words got stuck in his throat.
Xiao Ziheng’s clothes were half open, with a light flush on his fair face. His long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and his glazed pupils were stained with moisture. He didn’t look as detached as usual and even looked a bit sexy.
Ruan Qing’s eyes met with his and both of them were stunned on the spot.
After a long while, Xiao Ziheng said leisurely: “You went to bed without bathing?”
Ruan Qing: “……”
I’m already warming your bed for you, why do you still have so many complaints?
“Forget it,” Xiao Ziheng lifted the quilt and felt Ruan Qing’s retained body temperature on his fingertips. He couldn’t help but feel his heart move slightly. He lay down on the bed and turned to Ruan Qing, “Wake this Prince up on time at 6 in the morning.”
Ruan Qing, who was huddled in the quilt: “……Okay, Your Majesty. Um, I haven’t bathed and I’m very dirty, how about Your Majesty let me down and I’ll sleep on the floor?”
Xiao Ziheng glanced at him and pulled the quilt closer, “The ground is cold at night, so sleep here. This Prince doesn’t dislike you.”
Was this a matter of disdain? Ruan Qing was about to cry but had no tears. He had often slept in the same bed with his good friends. Although Xiao Ziheng was also a man, Ruan Qing always felt that they were different. It was strange to sleep on the same bed with him.
As he was thinking wildly here, Xiao Ziheng had already closed his eyes without a care. After a while, his breathing became steady, and he even snored lightly.
Ruan Qing couldn’t help but complain silently in his heart, this guy sure had a big heart! The Eldest Imperial Prince was targeting him and was even determined to have him killed. If he was a killer sent by the Eldest Imperial Prince and he had dismissed all his guards to share the same bed with him, wouldn’t it be a god-given opportunity to take action now?
Did Xiao Ziheng trust him that much?
Ruan Qing was slightly moved. It was a cold night, Xiao Ziheng’s body was warm and he couldn’t help but silently move closer to him.
It was good night’s sleep.
Sure enough, when Ruan Qing opened his eyes, it was already late morning, and the sunlight was peaking through the window, making his eyes hurt.
Ruan Qing looked beside him, Xiao Ziheng had long since disappeared, and he couldn’t help but be annoyed. They had agreed that he would wake him up at the designated time, but he ended up oversleeping once again. Now, Xiao Ziheng was bound to get angry and drive his mother and sister out of the residence!
The footsteps of the servants outside were noisy. Ruan Qing hurriedly got dressed and got out of bed. He opened the door and rushed out to see that his mother and sister were gone from the courtyard.
Xiao Ziheng really kicked them out! Ruan Qing was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot. At this time, Xiao Ziheng was usually discussing matters with his subordinates in the front hall. He usually didn’t dare to disturb him, but this was not those times. Ruan Qing knew that he was going to offend him, so he ran towards the front hall without stopping and pushed open the door with a bang.
“Your Second Imperial Majesty! I……”
Xiao Ziheng was in the middle of deliberating with someone when he suddenly barged in. He was a little upset and asked: “What is it?”
Ruan Qing opened his mouth and stuttered out, “I’m sorry, Your Second Imperial Majesty. I ended up sleeping in again……”
Xiao Ziheng immediately understood and waved his hand to interrupt him calmly: “Your mother and sister have been arranged to recuperate in the side room. The doctor came to see them this morning and prescribed some medicine. Your sister’s condition has gotten better.”
Only then did Ruan Qing sigh in relief. He bowed to him and said gratefully, “Thank you, Your Second Imperial Majesty.”
“This gentleman must be Ruan Qing, right? Truly a charming person. No wonder Your Majesty always praises him.” The general who was deliberating with Xiao Ziheng said with a smile.
Ruan Qing froze, only to see a man wearing a steel lion helmet, clad in a pair of armor made of iron, and accompanied by a long sword. He was indescribably handsome and it was obvious that he had a decisive aura, however, he still had a smile on his face, which gave Ruan Qing a favorable impression.
“Thank you, General Wang Qian, for such extreme praise. But I am not worthy of it.”
Wang Qian was slightly stunned, “You recognize me?”
Ruan Qing saluted him with a smile: “The great general who is powerful in the southwest and pacifies the northwest for the sake of the country, of course I recognize you.”
Wang Qian laughed loudly when he heard this and praised Xiao Ziheng: “Your Majesty, your new recruit, Mr. Ruan, is really a wonderful man.”
When Xiao Ziheng noticed that he had spoken out of turn again, he coughed twice unhappily: “Stop with the idle chit-chat. Ruan Qing, you said in bed yesterday that you knew the source of the epidemic. Are your words true?”
Ruan Qing face flushed red and he nodded awkwardly: “This epidemic is not a natural disaster but a man-made disaster. It is not a typical disease such as the plague, but an infection caused by a malicious person using poisonous snakes to cultivate fungi. It is not only highly toxic but also contagious. When I was kidnapped by His First Imperial Majesty yesterday, I saw an old man next to him. He had the usual symptoms, including bruises and non-healing wounds, but his body was healthy. I suspect that His First Imperial Majesty has mastered the method of treating this disease. But I’m afraid the prescription is not perfect yet and cannot fully cure the person.”
Xiao Ziheng frowned slightly and looked at Wang Qian: “What do you think about this?”
Wang Qian touched his chin thoughtfully with a solemn look on his face: “The Eldest Imperial Prince came prepared this time. Since he was the one who planned the Huizhou epidemic in an attempt to off Your Majesty, he will surely leave many traces behind. How about this, I will lead some of my troops to search for evidence, Mr. Ruan will be responsible for treating the epidemic, and Your Majesty will step in to help us get around, is that okay?”
Xiao Ziheng nodded approvingly and said with a smile: “Sounds good.”
After saying that, he turned his head to look at Ruan Qing: “What do you think?”
Ruan Qing felt that it couldn’t be any better. With Xiao Ziheng helping him fend off Xiao Ziming’s harassment and preserving his family’s lives, treating the epidemic wouldn’t be a problem for him.
“I think what General Wang Qian said is reasonable.”
Xiao Ziheng nodded slightly. The next second though, his face instantly darkened and his hand unconsciously touched the long sword at his waist: “Since Xiao Ziming is willing to be this ruthless, this Prince will forgo the need to care about brotherhood. If this plan is successful, this Prince will definitely put him in a place where he will not be able to recover.”
********
The author has something to say:
Following the plot is too tiring, let’s sweeten the chapter first (not)~
☽ ⋆ℍalf 𝕄oon 𝕋ranslations⋆ ☾ 
My boy, RQ, your talkativeness only help you pit yourself XDD
Thank You for the new chapter (◦’ںˉ◦)♡
LikeLiked by 1 person