Unexpectedly, this kind of realization didn’t make Bai Yao feel repulsed; instead, he felt a faint excitement stirring in his heart.
Could it be that he himself was actually interested in men, a “cut sleeve” as they say?
The thought suddenly popped into Bai Yao’s mind, startling him for a moment, but then it seemed perfectly natural.
He had never considered matters of the heart before. For nearly thirty years, he had been alone. Yet, unexpectedly, he found himself developing feelings for someone most unlikely and whom he shouldn’t be interested in.
Raising his head to gaze into the deep, black eyes and handsome features of the Sixth Prince, Bai Yao couldn’t deny that this prince indeed had the qualities to captivate someone’s heart.
It wasn’t just about his appearance being dazzling or beautiful, but rather a clean and unique aura that Bai Yao had never encountered before, making him irresistibly drawn to it.
But even if he was really interested in this person, Bai Yao didn’t mind, he knew when to distinguish between important matters.
Moreover, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if the Sixth Prince took an interest in him.
Although Bai Yao had previously thought this unfavored prince was of little use, circumstances could change. With the right handling, he might just become a valuable piece on the chessboard.
After both of them harbored their own thoughts over a meal, it was only after they were full and satisfied that Mo Yi remembered the jade pendant he had found earlier.
He hurriedly took it out from his pocket and handed it to Bai Yao, saying, “Mr. Bai, this is the jade pendant you dropped earlier. I found it and now return it to you.”
Bai Yao raised an eyebrow as he watched the other person take the jade out from his own pocket. It only further confirmed his suspicion that the Sixth Prince was indeed interested in him. Otherwise, why would he keep Bai Yao’s belongings so close to himself?
With a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth, Bai Yao extended his hand to push it away slightly. He then casually placed his hand on Mo Yi’s, giving it a gentle rub, and said ambiguously, “Since it’s found by Your Highness, it could be considered a sign of fate. Why not just give it to Your Highness directly? Consider it my congratulations on your new residence.”
Hearing this, Mo Yi couldn’t contain his joy. He didn’t notice anything wrong with Bai Yao’s actions and proudly boasted to the consciousness in his mind, “Did you see that? He remembered to give me a gift even before we are officially together! I told you, it’s just a jade pendant, but since I found it, it’s mine!”
Oh, his partner was really supportive!
006 nodded helplessly upon hearing this, watching his host happily accept the gift.
Mo Yi secretly thought to himself that this must be the rumored token of love!
However, just receiving gifts wasn’t enough. Since the other had given him such a good gift, he should also reciprocate. But he was in a dilemma because he was currently very poor and didn’t have anything valuable to offer. He couldn’t just use someone else’s gift as a return gift. This token of love had to be special.
With that in mind, Mo Yi could only quietly make a note of this matter and plan to return the favor later.
It seemed like making money was urgent. Only with money could he buy good gifts for his partner, and having money would also facilitate his acts of kindness and accumulation of merit.
In the previous world, as Bai Ren’s merit accumulated, his luck had become very good. Even Mo Yi’s luck seemed to have been influenced to some extent. Although he still encountered misfortune, occasionally, he would experience some scattered strokes of luck, which made him very happy.
Listening to 006’s suggestion, accumulating merit indeed had great benefits for himself, although not as obvious as his partner. But this was definitely something worth continuing.
After chatting for a while, Mo Yi and Bai Yao realized it was getting late, and Bai Yao took the initiative to bid farewell.
Although Mo Yi felt reluctant, he could only escort Bai Yao to the door and watched his figure disappear into the distance before returning to the mansion.
Seeing Mo Yi’s longing gaze, Aunt Sun felt somewhat curious and asked, “Your Highness, is there something special about Mr. Bai that makes you care so much?”
Mo Yi hesitated for a moment at the question. He couldn’t possibly say that Bai Yao was his future princess and partner, so he could only evade the question, saying, “Mr. Bai is very talented, and I feel a close connection with him.”
Aunt Sun nodded as if she understood, feeling somewhat pleased that since His Highness left the palace, he seemed more cheerful and even made friends so quickly.
She had heard of this Bai Yao before, mainly because he had been quite popular in the capital recently. However, there were rumors that he was affiliated with the Eldest Prince…
Thinking of this, Aunt Sun’s gaze flickered, feeling that although it was good that her master was cheerful, she should still quietly keep an eye on him.
Meanwhile, back at his own residence, as soon as Bai Yao sat down, a shadowy figure dressed in black appeared before him.
The black-clad shadow knelt on one knee, and after a long standoff, finally spoke, “My Lord, you don’t have to endure this humiliation!”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Bai Yao listened without expression, staring directly at the black-clad person in front of him and said, “Jia Yi, have you also noticed that the Sixth Prince has intentions towards me?”
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Moreover, his master’s actions and gaze were ambiguous, he must have realized it too.
Although they had returned this time for revenge, Jia Yi didn’t think Bai Yao needed to sacrifice to this extent.
Bai Yao knew his concerns but just smiled and said, “Jia Yi, don’t overthink it. Those who achieve great things don’t fuss over trifles. If the Sixth Prince can be of use to us, it’s not a bad thing.”
Seeing the resentment on Jia Yi’s face, Bai Yao waved his hand and continued, “Furthermore, I’m not as enduring as you imagine. I’ve always been inclined towards the same sex; it’s just that my great ambitions were unfulfilled, and I hadn’t encountered someone who truly moved me.”
What? Master actually prefers men!
Jia Yi looked at Bai Yao in shock, not expecting him to say it so casually.
However, considering the situation they faced on this return trip, where everyone could be cradled by death, the gender of one’s affection seemed less important.
But how could it be the Sixth Prince!
As if knowing what was on Jia Yi’s mind, Bai Yao continued, “This Sixth Prince, his appearance is indeed pleasing.”
“Jia Yi, don’t just think about his surname being Mo. Think about it, it was Mo Tian who caused the downfall of the Bai family.”
“Even if I’m interested in his son, what can he do if I decide to pursue him? I am determined to make the sixth prince fall deeply in love with me.”
“Imagine if in the future, Mo Tian knew that his own son was devoted to me, or even deeply in love with me. Wouldn’t that be amusing?”
There was a cruel smile on Bai Yao’s face, and Jia Yi was momentarily stunned, then his expression became conflicted.
Initially, he thought his master was enduring for the sake of revenge, but now it seemed he had underestimated him.
However, was his master really going to use such methods? This was so different from the former lord who has been upright and aboveboard all his life.
Thinking of this, Jia Yi pursed his lips, but also couldn’t blame his master entirely. It was all because of that incompetent emperor!
Jia Yi’s mind was in turmoil, but he had no intention of stopping Bai Yao from interacting further with the Sixth Prince.
Indeed, the master was the master, always thinking much further ahead than they did.
However, only Bai Yao himself knew that despite what he had just told Jia Yi, did he really only intend to use Mo Yi?
Every time he thought of Mo Yi’s clear and trusting eyes, Bai Yao felt his heart tighten.
But there were too many things he was plotting and too many burdens he had to bear. The gap between their identities seemed insurmountable.
In the end, both pity and tenderness were forcibly suppressed by Bai Yao deep within his heart. Right now, he just wanted to take one step at a time.
On the other hand, Mo Yi was genuinely happy for a while because of Bai Yao’s visit.
Thinking about how well they got along, they could be considered friends now. So, it would be only natural for him to visit Bai Yao later, just as friends do. This was really great!
However, the joy didn’t last long. The next afternoon, another special visitor arrived at the mansion.
After being received by Aunt Sun, this person was immediately ushered inside.
Mo Yi learned that the visitor was Duke Ning, Shi Zhiyi, the uncle of the original owner’s mother, and he immediately perked up, quickly putting down the snacks he was holding and rushing to receive him.
Hastening over, as soon as he entered, Mo Yi saw a tall, slender middle-aged man wearing a gray robe standing with his hands behind his back, seemingly admiring the landscape painting hanging in the hall.
The man turned around upon hearing footsteps, revealing a handsome but pale face.
With a short beard on his mouth, he exuded the air of a scholar in his every move. Upon seeing Mo Yi, a look of pleasant surprise immediately appeared on his face.
He quickly walked up to Mo Yi, his expression excited. He reached out his trembling hand and firmly grasped Mo Yi’s shoulder, before quickly letting go, saying, “I’m sorry, I’ve overstepped. Your Highness resembles your mother so much.”
“No overstepping at all, you’re my uncle.”
Mo Yi replied somewhat awkwardly. It was his first time facing a family member who genuinely treated him well, and he didn’t know how to respond.
Mo Yi understood that his uncle was reminded of his own dear sister upon seeing Mo Yi. Although he wasn’t used to being touched by strangers, he could empathize with the man’s emotions.
Upon hearing this, Duke Ning’s eyes instantly welled up with tears.
It had been many years since he last saw the Sixth Prince. Ever since the original owner’s mother passed away, Shi Zhiyi had lost his only family and fell seriously ill. After that, he rarely attended court sessions.
Even in recent years, he claimed to be ill and stayed in his mansion, refusing to attend any festive banquets, as if intentionally avoiding the world.
The original host also rarely left the palace and had little interaction with this uncle. He only knew that the uncle often quietly sent gift into the palace for him.
Two relatives who hadn’t been able to be close for many years.
Shi Zhiyi looked at Mo Yi’s face, so similar to his sister’s, and felt a mixture of emotions. He knew how difficult the Sixth Prince’s life was, but Duke Ning had also been repeatedly suppressed. If he didn’t use illness as an excuse to avoid the world, he might have ended up like Marquis Zhongyong.
His health had long been deteriorating, but he only wanted to preserve his wife and children, to leave behind a bloodline for Duke Ning’s mansion. Pity his sister, who passed away so young, leaving behind a young nephew in that treacherous palace.
But now, things were different. Mo Yi had grown up. And he even recognized Shi Zhiyi as his uncle!
However, he had come here today for an important reason.
With that in mind, Shi Zhiyi gestured for Aunt Sun to take everyone else out of the room before speaking, “Your Highness, you must be vigilant against Bai Ren. He is affiliated with the Eldest Prince!”
Mo Yi was taken aback by this revelation. How did Duke Ning know about his favorable view of Bai Yao? It was evident that he had come specifically to remind Mo Yi of this.
Seeing Mo Yi’s confusion, Shi Zhiyi explained, “Aunt Sun is also worried about you. She rarely sees you care so much about someone, so she came to ask me about this Bai Ren.”
It turned out Aunt Sun had specifically sought out Duke Ning. But this wasn’t surprising; Aunt Sun was originally from Duke Ning’s mansion, brought in as a dowry by Mo Yi’s mother.
However, neither of them knew that this person was Mo Yi’s partner. Mo Yi could only explain to Duke Ning, “Uncle, I just think Bai Ren is a talented individual.”
Shi Zhiyi nodded in agreement. “Indeed. I’ve heard of Bai Ren before. He is indeed talented. But since he has already chosen the Eldest Prince, befriending him is no longer straightforward.”
“Your Highness, since you’ve called me uncle, there are some things I must remind you of.”
“As a prince with a sensitive status, especially now that the two princes are vying for the throne, if you rashly associate with Bai Ren, you may be seen as supporting the Eldest Prince’s faction. It’s important to be cautious.”
“At a time like this, getting involved in factional struggles is not a good idea. It’s wiser to safeguard one’s own interests,” said Duke Ning.
Mo Yi couldn’t refute the Duke’s words, both emotionally and logically. He knew the Duke was looking out for him. But how could he not be with his partner? Yet he couldn’t reveal Bai Yao’s true identity as the heir of Marquis Zhongyong.
Bai Yao’s identity was his biggest secret, one that couldn’t be casually disclosed to others. Mo Yi believed that in the future, when he helped Bai Yao clear his name and reveal his identity, Duke Ning would understand everything.
With this in mind, Mo Yi could only nod in agreement for now.
Seeing the Sixth Prince accept his advice, Shi Zhiyi felt relieved. He said a few words of encouragement before leaving, leaving some money behind, and taking his leave.
Mo Yi obediently saw him off to the door, watching as Duke Ning boarded the carriage before turning back. As he walked, he couldn’t help but think that the Duke’s health was really not good; he seemed to be out of breath even when walking a little faster.
The next day, Mo Yi received news that Duke Ning had caught a severe cold and was refusing visitors.
Mo Yi was surprised to hear this. He hadn’t expected Duke Ning’s health to be so poor.
Despite his illness, the Duke still thought of his nephew and personally came to visit, even bringing gifts and money. Mo Yi was touched and worried for him.
Although the Duke had declined visitors due to his illness, Mo Yi asked Aunt Sun to select some supplements to send over as a token of appreciation. He planned to visit the Duke in person once he felt better.
On the other hand, ever since their meeting, Bai Yao often found himself thinking of Mo Yi. Sometimes, scenes of their shared meal would even appear in his dreams.
However, Bai Yao was busy with many things and couldn’t always find an excuse to visit the Sixth Prince’s mansion. Yet, even with his busy schedule, there were times when he found himself with free time.
Bai Yao couldn’t help but think of Mo Yi during those moments, as if Mo Yi had cast some unknown spell on him, making it hard to forget about him.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before the Sixth Prince came to visit on his own.
Bai Yao struggled to suppress the excitement that surged in his heart when he heard the servants’ report, and he had Mo Yi brought to the scenic hall in his mansion’s garden.
The view from there was the best, and Bai Yao had some refreshments prepared in the room, as well as some charcoal heaters for warmth, even more thoughtful than when the Eldest Prince visited.
So when Mo Yi was invited in, he could comfortably sit down. Not only were there delicious refreshments, but also soft blankets.
Indeed, being by his partner’s side was the most comfortable place to be!
Mo Yi sighed inwardly, then saw the man opposite him smile as he poured him a cup of tea, asking, “Your Highness, what brings you to my mansion today? Is there something you wish to discuss with me?”
Hearing this, Mo Yi looked at Bai Yao somewhat reproachfully. “Why do you still address me as ‘Your Highness’? I thought we were already friends.”
Clearly, the atmosphere during their last meeting was jovial, and Bai Yao even mentioned feeling close to him. Why the formal address now?
Bai Yao paused for a moment, looking at Mo Yi’s naturally warm demeanor. He smirked and nodded. “You’re right, Your Highness. It’s just that formalities shouldn’t be disregarded. In my heart, I do consider you a friend.”
Bai Yao deliberately maintained a polite tone, but his words carried a hint of ambiguity.
Hearing this, Mo Yi took a bite of the refreshments, feeling somewhat helpless as he sighed inwardly.
He also knew that there were many customs in ancient times, so he didn’t force the other party to change his address. After all, when they were together in the future, they could call each other whatever endearing terms they liked.
Suddenly, Mo Yi thought about the sweet and affectionate nicknames his partner used to call him in their past life together, and his face couldn’t help but flush with embarrassment.
Clearing his throat to conceal his emotions, Mo Yi spoke up, “Mr. Bai, the reason I came here this time is to invite you out. You know, I rarely leave the palace, and I’m not familiar with life outside the palace. I don’t have many friends around me, only Mr. Bai. I heard there’s a lively and interesting temple fair outside the city tonight, so I thought of inviting Mr. Bai along. I wonder if Mr. Bai is available?”
“Of course, I am.”
Bai Yao agreed without hesitation. Mo Yi’s proactive invitation, especially the part about having no friends but him, lifted his spirits.
So, the two of them chatted leisurely in the room until it was time to go. Bai Yao then had a carriage prepared, and they rode together to the temple fair.
As they got on the carriage, Bai Yao took out a beautifully carved bronze hand warmer that he had prepared in advance and handed it to Mo Yi.
“Your Highness, it’s cold outside. You should warm yourself with this hand warmer.”
Mo Yi, seeing the exquisite hand warmer, took it curiously. Bai Yao thought he liked it and offered, “If Your Highness likes it, then please accept it as a gift.”
Mo Yi happily nodded and accepted it without refusal. Thinking about how he had received a jade pendant and now a hand warmer, he realized his partner must really like him!
However, since they were sitting together in a carriage, Mo Yi couldn’t warm himself alone and let Bai Yao suffer from the cold. He wanted to be a caring and considerate partner.
Thinking of this, Mo Yi quickly got up and sat beside Bai Yao, handing the hand warmer over to him, saying, “But I can’t let Mr. Bai feel cold. Let’s use this hand warmer together.”
“Together?”
Bai Yao looked at Mo Yi strangely, then saw him naturally take his hand. Before his heartbeat could accelerate, he realized that Mo Yi was just placing their hands next to the hand warmer together, keeping one hand each warm, and their bodies pressed close as a result.
Seeing Mo Yi’s lifted corners of his mouth and the joy in his eyes, Bai Yao couldn’t help but feel a flutter in his throat.
They were already outside, yet this Sixth Prince still couldn’t stay put. And why was he so eager to flirt with him? Why was he not afraid that he would do something to him?
Thanks for the chapter!!
Thank you for the chapter! ❤
Mo yi is so cute as always (´ . .̫ . `)
It’s not he’s afraid of you doing something, instead he would be happy if you do something!