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Chapter Ch173.1 - The Serious Consequences of Lying (1)

Translated by Eve

Edited by Serefina

16. The Serious Consequences of Lying (1)

Something exploded in Xie He’s brain. How was this possible...? Xiao Yan was the person he had saved back then? He was the gentle and kind Yan dage who had silently stayed by his side all this time? The jade pendant in his hand had been accidentally lost back then. He hadn’t thought of it before. He had never expected that several years would pass and it’d somehow end up back in his hands....

Xie He’s voice shook. “How is this possible...?”

Tender affection bloomed in Xiao Yan’s eyes. He smiled, his voice turning a bit strange as he modified his voice. “You don’t believe me?”

Xie He was astonished. When he heard that familiar voice, he had no choice but to admit that Xiao Yan was his Yan dage.

Xiao Yan held Xie He’s hand, slowly tightening his hold. In a soft voice, he said, “Finally, it’s back to its rightful owner. Back then, I had wanted to tell you that I like you.... I’m sorry. I should have recognized you sooner.”

A long time later, Xie He slowly came back to himself. He gazed at Xiao Yan, the look in his eyes complicated.

So this was what had caused the major shift in Xiao Yan’s attitude towards himself? He treated him well because Xie He had once saved him. He wanted to make it up to Xie He....

Xie He tightly grasped the pendant and quietly said, “When did you find out?”

Xiao Yan’s voice was pained. “The day you came back to see me.”

Xie He couldn’t help but recall how he had come back to beg Xiao Yan, looking like a mess. His expression changed, “Then Song Heng, he—”

Xiao Yan shook his head. “It wasn’t me. Shui Rong saw you. She was a spy sent by the Crown Prince. It had been the Crown Prince who had planned on capturing Song Heng in my name.”

Xie He’s eyes glazed over. He thought that with Xiao Yan’s position, there was no reason for him to lie. But if what he said were true, then hadn’t Xie He misunderstood him all this time? Xie He was in a daze for a while. There was something he still didn’t understand. He asked, “Then why did the Crown Prince do that? Nu is an insignificant courtesan.... Why would the Crown Prince want to get rid of Nu?”

Xiao Yan was nervous. It had obviously been because the Crown Prince knew that Xie He was alive and thus realized he had been tricked. He had done this in a fit of anger. But if he told Xie He this, it would expose the fact that Xiao Yan had mercilessly abandoned Xie He despite knowing he was innocent. He could never let Xie He know about this.

Xiao Yan pursed his lips slightly and said, “The Crown Prince did not do it to get rid of you. His aim was to hurt me. Because Song Heng is the most recent top scorer, his reputation and network is expansive. If it is rumoured that I attacked Song Heng, it will hurt my reputation. The scholars will condemn me in speech and writing. Therefore, this has nothing to do with you. Even if you didn’t come to ask me, as long as I had known about it, I wouldn’t have let the Crown Prince succeed. I would have kept Song Heng safe.”

Xie He’s mind blanked. After some time, he looked like he understood it all. He recalled the impolite, audacious way the officers had acted. When he connected it to what Xiao Yan had said, he thought that it did make sense....

But there was something he still didn’t get. If Xiao Yan knew his identity back then, why did he keep this fact to himself all this time? Why didn’t he let Xie He go? Xie He stared at Xiao Yan and said, “Why did Your Highness not tell Nu this before? Why did Your Highness disguise yourself....”

Xiao Yan peered into his eyes, his own full of deep emotion. He slowly and quietly said, “I was afraid you wouldn’t be able to accept it, so....”

Xie He fell silent. He looked at the jade pendant in his hand. He thought back to all the interactions he’d had with Xiao Yan when he had been under the guise of Yan dage. He also recalled the joke Yan dage had said about repaying his kindness with marriage. It seemed like the other had truly meant it back then....

Unfortunately, he neither dared to accept Xiao Yan’s proposal nor did he want it.

Xie He’s eyes dartedback and forth. Suddenly, he gathered up his courage to look Xiao Yan in the eye and speak his mind for the first time. He said, “Your Highness, Nu’s status is low and Nu’s origin is humble. Nu dares not marry you.... If you truly wish to repay the kindness from back then, please let Nu leave the wangfu.”

Xiao Yan’s face paled slightly, his voice pained. “Would it not be good to stay here and be my princess-consort? I will always protect you and will never allow anyone to demean you from now on.”

Xie He looked at Xiao Yan and saw that the usually noble, insufferably arrogant, indifferent man was currently watching him with an apprehensive expression and was speaking with a helpless tone.

He recalled how indulgent Xiao Yan had been of him, as well as the other’s meticulous gentleness and considerateness. This was clearly a lofty, noble prince, but he had lowered himself like so. Was it just for the sake of profit? He was a mere courtesan. What about him was worth making Xiao Yan go so far?

He recalled the change in Xiao Yan’s behaviour after his return.... When he knew the reason for it, what used to make him afraid and confused now made sense. The answer was obvious.

Xiao Yan truly liked him.

Unfortunately, his feelings came too late. And Xie He didn’t want it.

Xie He’s eyes slowly took on a resolute light. He was actually still afraid of Xiao Yan, but if he didn’t say things now, when would he? He quietly said, “Your Highness, please let Nu leave the wangfu.”

A bitter smile painted Xiao Yan’s lips. A long time later, he slowly opened his lips and said, “I’m sorry. I can agree to anything except for that.”

Xie He’s eyes slowly dimmed as he looked at Xiao Yan, a self-deprecating smile plastered over his lips. What &#k2018;repayment for saving my life?’ Xiao Yan only cared about his own feelings.

The only difference was that, now, Xiao Yan wanted him. Before, Xiao Yan only saw him as a plaything to amuse himself with. Now, he wanted Xie He and wanted to make him his princess-consort.

He was still taking whatever he wanted from Xie He with no regard for what Xie He wanted.

He would not let Xie He go.

Xie He said, “Nu understands.”

Xiao Yan had already prepared himself to be criticized and denounced. He didn’t expect that Xie He would take it all so calmly. However, his heart felt empty because of this. He nervously looked at Xie He. “You...won’t leave?”

A faint smile appeared on Xie He’s face. He looked down at his legs. “Nu belongs to Your Highness. Without Your Highness’ permission, Nu cannot go anywhere.”

Xiao Yan felt something get stuck in his throat. “I didn’t mean it like that....”

Xie He looked up. “Your Highness, you need not take it to heart. Nu has said it a long time ago. You have repaid your debt. Therefore, you need not feel burdened. You need not care about Nu’s feelings. Nu does not dare blame you. Nu knows Nu’s place well.”

When Xiao Yan heard this, all the blood drained from his face. He had found out the truth too late. No matter what he did now, there would be no way of getting Xie He’s heart back.

He could not let go, so it was only logical that Xie He would blame him....

Xiao Yan parted his lips slightly, voice raspy. “I’m sorry.”

I’m sorry that I cannot imagine a world without you. I’m sorry that I can’t let you go.

【Ding, the target Xiao Yan’s Favourability Value +1. The current Favourability Value is 97.】

..............................

Xie He could not leave the wangfu and became even more cheerless. He now knew who Xiao Yan was and knew that he wouldn’t do anything to Song Heng or Qi Qing. As such, he stopped the forced smiles. Although he still didn’t dare offend Xiao Yan, he treated him very coldly and remained distant. He stopped fawning over the other.

Xiao Yan was very happy though. The colder Xie He was, the more he fawned over Xie He.

To him, this showed that Xie He was at least no longer afraid of him or doubted his feelings. It was just that... Xie He didn’t love him. But that didn’t matter. They still had a long time to go. He could use his whole life to love and spoil the other. A day would come in which Xie He would accept him.

【Xie He：Question: Based on Prince Su, Xiao Yan’s, recent actions and reaction, you can figure out one inherent weakness men have. Do you know what it is?】

【444：They’re masochistic! \\(≧▽≦)/】

【Xie He：That’s right. Baby, you’ve improved. 】

【444：O(∩_∩)O~】444 feels like he’s really great, ne. He’s definitely become smart!

Tonight, when Xiao Yan returned, Xie He was reading a book. He cast a cold glance towards Xiao Yan’s direction but didn’t speak. He did not greet him. He treated the other like air and continued to read, head lowered.

Xiao Yan wasn’t angry in the least. He walked over to stand behind Xie He with a smile on his face. He asked, “What are you so engrossed in?”

Xie He’s red lips parted and he spat out a single word. “Book.”

Xiao Yan felt a bit dejected but at least Xie He uttered a single word to him today. It was still progress. He pulled Xie He into his arms and said, “I have something to show you.”

Xie He did not react.

Xiao Yan said, “These are the account books I presented to my Emperor Father. Emperor Father has already gone through it and has agreed to redress the cases of these ten or so officials, Cui Shao included, whom have been framed by the Crown Prince. Your father, Cui Shao, is innocent. He was not corrupt. The Crown Prince had framed him. Now, the truth has been exposed. His name will be cleared. And you are no longer the son of a corrupted official. You are free from servitude. From now on, you do not need to refer to yourself as Nu ever again.”

When Xie He heard this, he could not remain indifferent. His eyes glistened and his tone was that of disbelief. “What did you say?”

Xiao Yan looked at Xie He with tenderness. He stroked his hair. “Your father is innocent. He had been framed. He has never done anything you would have to feel disappointed over. He was a very outstanding, firm and unyielding upright official. I really admire him.”

Xie He’s eyes were wet. “My father...was an upright official....”

Xiao Yan said, “Yes.”

Xie He suddenly burst into tears. He could not stop crying. The heavy stone pressing down on his heart— the criminal name that had made him feel ashamed all this time— disappeared. His father was innocent. He was innocent. They were all innocent.... His father had died and he had suffered utmost humiliation, but finally, the truth had been exposed. He had actually managed to live to see such a day.

He cried out all the grievances that used to have nowhere to vent. Xie He cried until he was gasping for air.

Xiao Yan’s heart ached watching him. He gently stroked Xie He’s back. It hadn’t been easy to get Cui Shao’s case redressed. It involved many people and affairs. The Cui Family also had not been an influential family. If no one were to look into it, they would have continued to bear this injustice. However, Xiao Yan cared. This was the first thing he had done after overthrowing the Crown Prince. It had been because he knew that this was what had been causing Xie He the deepest pain. He could not bear to see his beloved carry this criminal charge for even one more day.

Therefore, he had not minded that there had been so much to do or that the advisors had cautioned him against it. As soon as he could, he had forced himself to bear with the pressure to get this done.

As long as Xie He would be happy, it would all be worth it.

Xie He cried until he physically could cry no more. Both eyes were thoroughly red and his face was streaked with tears. Even his nose was ruddy. He looked extremely pitiful. Xiao Yan immediately helped him wipe his face with an embroidered handkerchief. He said, “Don’t cry anymore. It’s all over now.”

Xie He looked at Xiao Yan and suddenly reached out to hold his hand. His lips trembled and his voice was wracked with emotion. “Your Highness....”

Xiao Yan asked apprehensively, “What’s wrong?”

Xie He gazed deeply into his eyes, a complicated look of gratitude inside. It wasn’t like he was completely ignorant. If it hadn’t been because Xiao Yan had beaten the Crown Prince and still remembered Xie He, this miscarriage of justice would likely never have seen the light of day.

Xiao Yan had cleaned his father’s reputation and returned Xie He his identity as a proper citizen of the nation. He had also buried Xie He’s criminal charge and lowly status....

Xie He spoke earnestly, stressing every word. “Thank you.”

Xiao Yan had not expected for Xie He to thank him. When he looked at Xie He, his low voice carried deep affection. “This is what I ought to do. I told you, I’d never let anyone demean you again.”

Xie He stared at Xiao Yan, gaze unswerving. Suddenly, he smiled.

His smile was like sunlight, parting through the clouds, dispersing the darkness.

Xiao Yan had not seen Xie He smile in so long. He squeezed Xie He tightly in his arms. No one knew how much he was willing to pay just to see Xie He smile once more.

Xiao Yan called Xie He’s name, voice dripping with love. “Ning er.”

Recently, he had not dared to push Xie He to do anything. He hadn’t dared to lay hands on him either. Now, he was finally able to see Xie He smile at him. The love surged through his chest. He cupped Xie He’s face and could see that the other no longer looked at him with loathing or resistance. Finally, Xiao Yan kissed him deeply, no longer able to control himself.

Xie He closed his eyes. He could feel the blazing hot love on the man’s lips, as well as the sincere emotions Xiao Yan held towards him.... It was just that there were some things that could not be forgotten, some hurt that could not be erased. He could not forget about it.

But Xiao Yan had given his innocence back. Now, all he had was this broken body of his. He might as well give it to him.

There was nothing else he could give Xiao Yan to pay him back for his kindness.

Back then, he had just happened to save a stranger. Now, he had gotten so much more in return. This was enough. He shouldn’t ask for anything more.

From that day on, Xiao Yan could sense a shift in Xie He’s attitude. He no longer coldly ignored Xiao Yan, but he didn’t revert to forcing smiles and fearing him either. Now, he treated Xiao Yan kindly and was quiet and content. He treated Xiao Yan as one would a friend.

Xiao Yan enjoyed Xie He’s gentle and considerate treatment. He was addicted and could not free himself from it. But he was also afraid. He didn’t dare let Xie He find out the truth behind his father’s death.

He could only do the best he could to treat Xie He well.

....................................

Every day, Xiao Yan was busy with cleaning up the Crown Prince’s broken faction. He had to also consolidate his position. Every night, he’d return very late into the night. Most of the time, Xie He would already be asleep. Xiao Yan would not wake him and would just watch the other sleep for a long time. He would then go back and rest.

Although his days were ordinary, it was enough to make him feel satisfied.

Xie He no longer asked to leave the wangfu. But one day, an unexpected visitor came by.

Aside from Xiao Yan, the servants also listened to Xie He. They never dared to alarm Xie He either. However, this sudden guest was able to march right in right to Xie He’s door. The eunuchs of Xiao Yan’s courtyard all knelt outside, trembling.

When Xie He saw the graceful, expensively-dressed woman before him, he looked baffled. There was also a sense of unease. He hesitated and asked, “You are?”

Imperial Consort Rong stared at Xie He coldly. This was the courtesan that had seduced her son. He had actually made Xiao Yan disregard the overall picture and decide to welcome this courtesan as his princess-consort at such a crucial time!

“A mere prostitute. Who knows what potion you’ve made my son drink? You think you are worthy of being a princess-consort?” Imperial Consort Rong’s gaze was full of cold contempt.

Xie He instantly understood who this was. This was Xiao Yan’s mufei, Imperial Consort Rong. He knew that he could not be impolite and struggled to kneel. His face paled from the pain. “This one greets Imperial Consort Rong. You’re mistaken. I...do not wish to be the princess-consort and did not....”

When Imperial Consort Rong heard this, she was even more enraged. She interrupted him. “You don’t want to be the princess-consort? Then what, is my son forcing you?!”

Xie He pursed his lips, not replying.

Imperial Consort Rong’s gaze was chilly. Just by looking at Xie He, she knew he was a vixen. This was serious. If he were to be the princess-consort, he’d be able to twist Xiao Yan around his little finger. This person could not be left alive!

Imperial Consort Rong ordered the momo beside her. “Do it.”

Two momo immediately pushed Xie He onto the ground and tied his hands behind him. They then hung white silk from the rafters. She meant to kill Xie He!

Xie He’s face drained of blood. He had just had his name cleared and regained his identity. Now, he had to die here for some unknown reason?

He was being treated as a contemptible vixen that had seduced Xiao Yan.... No, he didn’t want this. He had never wanted to seduce or serve men. He had only wanted to live an ordinary life and one day have a wife and children. He had never wanted to lie beneath men and pleasure them....

Unfortunately, as soon as he had fallen into the brothels, even if the criminal charge had been wiped clean, the humiliating mark would follow him for the rest of his life. Everyone would think that he was seducing men, that he was vulgar.

Xie He looked at Imperial Consort Rong and did not struggle. He only said in a very clear voice, “I did not seduce His Highness. I do not want to be his princess-consort either.”

Imperial Consort Rong only laughed in disdain.

Xie He shut his eyes powerlessly.