# Chapter Thirty-Eight
As they approached the Lingnan Prince's mansion, Qi Xiao woke Bai Ren. This wasn't the Crown Prince's residence—Qi Xiao couldn't simply carry someone out of the carriage. He smiled at the drowsily blinking Bai Ren. "You wanted to use drunkenness as an excuse to keep me here. Can you even drink in this state?"
Bai Ren rubbed his eyes and murmured softly, "Tell the kitchen to prepare a feast... Just sitting and not moving will do. Who's going to check how much wine we actually drank?"
Qi Xiao chuckled quietly. "So His Highness was just humoring me. This prince is in high spirits today and truly wish to drink his fill."
Bai Ren shot Qi Xiao a wary glance, his drowsiness completely gone. "Your Highness... This isn't the Crown Prince's residence. I can't even count how many eyes and ears are in my own mansion. What if someone sees..."
"Relax, I know." Qi Xiao lifted the carriage curtain just a crack, glanced outside, and coldly smiled. "They're truly bold. This is the Lingnan Prince's mansion, yet it seems anyone can stick their nose in."
Bai Ren lowered his gaze. "It's my fault too... I've been occupied with other matters and had no mind for this. I'll deal with it when I have time... Besides the Emperor's people, others can still be taught a lesson."
Qi Xiao inwardly sneered. Why wait until he had time? There were so many perfect targets—if he was in a bad mood, he could just take it out on them for fun...
Soon the carriage stopped at the ceremonial gate of the Lingnan Prince's mansion. Bai Ren got off first and personally lifted the curtain for Qi Xiao. Qi Xiao stepped down, subtly squeezing Bai Ren's hand before glancing around and leisurely walking through the gate.
The house steward had only just received notice and had no time to prepare anything. He hastily led the household staff to bow, the crowd kneeling on the ground. Qi Xiao was too lazy to speak with them and walked directly into the main hall without even looking.
Bai Ren gave the steward a reassuring smile. "I invited His Highness the Crown Prince on impulse. There's no need to panic. Just prepare a fine banquet."
The steward was an old servant Bai Ren had brought from Lingnan, and he held great respect for the noble people around Bai Ren. Upon hearing this, he quickly nodded. "Yes, my lord. I'll personally oversee them. I'll make sure everything is spotless."
Bai Ren nodded and turned to follow Qi Xiao.
Unlike Bai Ren's discomfort when entering the Crown Prince's residence, Qi Xiao walked through the gate as if entering his own private estate. He looked around, occasionally offering commentary. "This vase is still displayed in the main hall? Do they want guests to know their young lord doesn't indulge in refinement?"
"These... such coarse tea utensils are truly rare nowadays..."
"These potted flowers..." Qi Xiao looked as if something had offended his eyes. "Half-wilted and left here. Were you waiting for your young lord to appreciate the fruit? Heh... This prince truly is ignorant. Is growing camellias for the fruit?"
The attendant girl who had followed Qi Xiao in was miserable. She hastily lowered her head. "It was this servant's negligence. We thought young lord wouldn't be returning today, so we didn't move them..."
Qi Xiao's interest was piqued. He smiled lightly. "Oh... Since he didn't return for a day, you can skip cleaning for a day. Then can this prince also have you all's monthly wages deducted for a day?"
The attendant girl was speechless. She had long heard about Qi Xiao's exacting nature. Regretting her words, she dropped to her knees with a thud. "This servant spoke out of turn. This servant deserves death..."
Qi Xiao coldly smiled. "This prince despises those who argue with me the most. When they make mistakes, they don't try to fix them—instead, they put all their effort into their tongue."
Bai Ren had rounded the screen from the side hall and happened to hear these words. He felt a pang of sympathy. Qi Xiao truly hated being contradicted. When he had reason and someone dared to argue back, Qi Xiao would already be furious—let alone this girl who was clearly in the wrong.
Bai Ren glanced at the kneeling girl and understood. Qi Xiao knew she was someone planted here by others and was making an example.
When Qi Xiao saw Bai Ren arrive, he said coldly, "Bai Ren, is this how you usually discipline your servants?"
Bai Ren knew Qi Xiao was helping him vent. He quickly complied. "Your Highness, please forgive the embarrassment. I never had to manage these things when I was in Lingnan. I'm not very familiar with them."
"You are young, so it's forgivable that you haven't encountered these matters. However..." Qi Xiao shifted his tone, looking at the kneeling maid and coldly smiling. "Princess Dunsu just arranged a marriage for your sister. After the New Year, when Marquis Roujia arrives in the capital, will your mansion still be in such a state? These people can't even handle ordinary tasks properly. When the Marquisess gets married, will they be able to manage it?"
Bai Ren had only been casually agreeing with Qi Xiao, but hearing this made him alert. He couldn't speak for himself, but would he let Roujia suffer the same way when she arrived? Bai Ren felt ashamed that he hadn't thought as thoroughly as Qi Xiao. His tone became extraordinarily deferential as he lowered his head. "Many thanks for Your Highness's guidance."
Qi Xiao glanced at the trembling group of maids淡淡一笑. "Guidance—there's no such thing. It's just that our aunt just made a grand match for your family. I truly cannot bear to see her kindness wasted. If these black-hearted creatures ruin great matters in the future, I would be remiss not to say more. You can't always be so muddled, young lord. This prince happens to be a few years older, so I'll accept the 'guidance' you're offering. Today, I'll demonstrate for you."
Qi Xiao sat in the main seat, sipped his tea, and unhurriedly said, "The food and wine will take a while to prepare. This is perfect timing... Bring me the household registry. Everyone except the kitchen staff and the rotating guards, all to the hall."
No one dared disobey Qi Xiao. Soon the hall was filled with people. Bai Ren's old steward presented a thick registry, respectfully saying, "Your Highness, long live."
Qi Xiao gave a perfunctory acknowledgment, flipped through the registry briefly, and tossed it onto the table. "This prince is too impatient to read these. You read them line by line. Remove the screen. When your name is called, step forward. This prince has questions."
Many people's hearts skipped a beat. On this snowy day, they broke out in a cold sweat.
The old steward had been holding back his anger for a long time. These servants sent from outside, relying on the prestige of their former masters, never followed orders. They shifted every bit of work onto others, but when there were rewards to be had, they swarmed forward like locusts. And since Bai Ren had barely lived in the mansion this past month, these people had become completely emboldened. The steward called out names in a loud voice, grouping them in fives. Those whose names were called all老老实实地 stepped forward.
With the screen removed, the hall grew much colder. Qi Xiao's accompanying servants quickly presented an already-prepared silver hand-warmer adorned with coiled dragon patterns and gems. Qi Xiao stroked the warmer, glanced at the people before him. The steward, divining his intentions, lowered his voice. "The two on the far left are the ones young lord brought from the south. The one in the middle was bestowed by His Majesty. As for the other two..."
The steward didn't need to finish—Qi Xiao already understood. The people Bai Ren brought from the south were naturally fine. Even if there were issues, Qi Xiao shouldn't publicly embarrass Bai Ren. As for those bestowed by the Emperor, he couldn't say much either. But those mixed in by this cat and that dog...
"That one called Rouge, what does she usually manage?"
Rouge's heart was pounding wildly. She lowered her head and answered timidly, "Reporting to Your Highness, this servant is specifically in charge of tea service."
"So this Silver Needle tea I just drank was brewed by you?" Qi Xiao lifted his teacup, took a sip, and coldly smiled. "It tastes moldy."
Rouge had only just taken over this duty. Seeing Qi Xiao about to explode, she hastily knelt and explained, "Your Highness, spare my life! This servant only manages the tea brewing. I know nothing about how the tea leaves are stored..."
Qi Xiao coldly smiled. "Another one who only knows how to talk. When you brewed the tea, didn't you taste it? Since you did, why didn't you tell the steward that these leaves were aged and unsuitable for the young lord's use? Knowing full well, yet trying to shirk responsibility... Take her away. Punished to sweeping duties. Never allowed to serve inside again."
Rouge kept crying冤, but the steward signaled with his eyes. Two strong women at the bottom of the hall quickly covered her mouth and dragged her away. Qi Xiao frowned. "This prince has no time to waste words with you all. If anyone else tries to explain like that, throw them out directly."
Everyone murmured their assent. Bai Ren sat below Qi Xiao and couldn't help but lift his teacup for a sip. The tea truly wasn't fresh, but he hadn't detected any moldy taste...
After dealing with Rouge, the steward called up the next five. Because of what had happened in the carriage, Qi Xiao was in an excellent mood. Late at night, he didn't feel tired at all. Sipping the newly replaced tea, he criticized and mocked anyone he disliked. Anyone unfamiliar, he found fault with and reassigned elsewhere. There was one maid whose appearance was exceptionally outstanding. Qi Xiao inquired and, learning she was bestowed by the Emperor, nodded with a smile and said no more.
Among the over sixty people in the Lingnan Prince's mansion, Qi Xiao actually reviewed each one.
In the end, only about thirty people remained in the hall. These were either old Lingnan servants, those bestowed by the Emperor, or, naturally, a few of Qi Xiao's own people. Actually, Qi Xiao was still at ease with the people bestowed by the Emperor. The Emperor sent them as both spies and to protect Bai Ren. They usually served Bai Ren quite attentively. If anything truly went wrong, these people would risk their lives to protect Bai Ren. Unless absolutely necessary, Qi Xiao wouldn't touch them. And now that Bai Ren spent more time at his own residence, keeping them was harmless.
The thirty-odd people in the hall trembled as they looked at Qi Xiao, afraid that this Crown Prince with his notorious temper would suddenly take it into his head to "question" them one by one again. After tonight, everyone truly understood Qi Xiao's厉害. Whatever he disapproved of, he could always find fault with—and fault so airtight you couldn't argue back, making you heartily convinced. Those who dared not comply, Qi Xiao didn't waste words. He simply had the women slap them across the face until they submitted.
Qi Xiao silently regarded the crowd for a moment, then rose and淡淡 said, "Each of the remaining people will receive two taels of silver as reward. Disperse."
Everyone froze, then as if granted amnesty, quickly thanked him and left.
The old steward guessed Qi Xiao still had words for Bai Ren. Before Qi Xiao could dismiss him, he smiled and said, "The feast is ready. This old servant will have them sent to the warm pavilion inside. This old servant will take his leave first."
Having vented such a load of resentment, the steward seemed ten years younger. He practically strode out with a spring in his step.
Qi Xiao smiled softly at Bai Ren. "Your Highness, this prince has done your housekeeper's job for you. How will you repay me?"
Bai Ren was truly grateful in his heart, but couldn't say it aloud. Qi Xiao wasn't one to press. Smiling, he took Bai Ren's hand and led him inside together.
Bai Ren dismissed all the servants from the room and personally poured wine for Qi Xiao. After a pause, he softly said, "Just now... thank you, Your Highness..."
Qi Xiao smiled at the wine cup in Bai Ren's hand. "Is this how you settle a debt? Pouring one cup of wine? Perhaps... you could feed me a cup as thanks. How about it?"
Bai Ren bit his lip. Hesitating, he brought the cup to Qi Xiao's lips. But Qi Xiao turned his head slightly and dodged. Smiling, he said, "Are you three years old? When I said 'feed,' you really just feed me like that? What I mean by 'feed'... is for you to give me a 'skin cup.'"
Bai Ren blinked at Qi Xiao, confused. He had never been to places of pleasure, nor had he joked around with peers about such things. He understood nothing of the risqué language of风流场所. He simply stared blankly at Qi Xiao. Qi Xiao, seeing that he truly didn't know, couldn't help but burst out laughing. "I've truly found a treasure..."
Qi Xiao took the cup from Bai Ren's hand, drained it in one gulp, then pulled Bai Ren into his embrace. Lowering his head, he pressed his lips to Bai Ren's. Bai Ren instinctively struggled, but how could Qi Xiao let him escape? He fed all the wine to Bai Ren this way, and not only that—he took further liberties for quite a while before releasing him. Qi Xiao smiled at Bai Ren's flushed face. "Now do you understand what a 'skin cup' means?"
Bai Ren's face burned crimson. He never knew such... such things existed. For a moment he couldn't say a word. Qi Xiao soothingly coaxed him, smiling. "Alright, it's better not knowing these things. I'll teach you slowly in the future..."
"Who wants to learn these things!" Bai Ren truly couldn't understand how this dignified Crown Prince could be so... so shameless behind closed doors. Bai Ren tried to rise, but Qi Xiao's arm was firmly locked around his waist. He couldn't move an inch. Bai Ren was frustrated. "Your Highness!"
"Tsk..." Qi Xiao raised an eyebrow. "You forgot again... Speak properly, and I'll let you up."
Bai Ren had no choice. He couldn't break free, and he couldn't call for help. He had to submit. Softly he said, "Your Highness... I'm uncomfortable like this."
"If you'd spoken like this from the start..." Qi Xiao punished him by gently biting his ear. Softly he said, "How do I usually treat you? When have I ever been harsh with you? And you? The moment something doesn't go your way, you jump down my throat. Where's your conscience, young lord?"
Before Bai Ren could react, Qi Xiao first soothingly stroked his back. Softly laughing, he said, "I've been almost without temper with you. As long as you乖乖 behave and speak nicely to me, what wouldn't I agree to for you?"
Bai Ren was caught between laughter and tears. He knew it—he could never win an argument with Qi Xiao. Seeing that he'd backed down, Qi Xiao stopped pressing his advantage and released Bai Ren. It was late. After chatting for a while and having a little food, they went to sleep.
The next morning, at the second quarter hour of the Mao period, Qi Xiao was already awake. Outside, the heavy snow had stopped. The courtyard was bright under the sun. Qi Xiao leaned against the bedhead, gently flicking Bai Ren's ear, smiling. "Not getting up yet?"
Bai Ren was good-natured even when asleep. Having his dreams disturbed didn't annoy him. He simply dodged backward. Qi Xiao found it amusing. He simply lay down, pulled Bai Ren into his arms, and dozed off with him.
Soon, there was a gentle knock at the door. The old steward's voice came through softly. "Your Highness, Your Highness..."
Qi Xiao rose, tucked the quilt around Bai Ren, draped his cloak over himself, and opened the door of the warm pavilion. The steward bowed and handed him a letter, whispering, "A message from Master Jiang at the Crown Prince's mansion. It requires Your Highness to open personally."
Qi Xiao nodded. As he opened the letter, he walked back inside. After reading it, he casually tossed the paper into the incense burner. Bai Ren had woken from the commotion. Drowsily he looked at Qi Xiao. "Wh-what's wrong?"
Qi Xiao walked to the bedside and sat down, smiling. "Huo Rong succeeded... It's nothing. Go back to sleep."
A huge weight lifted from Bai Ren's heart. He shook his head. "I won't sleep anymore... Is Your Highness still sleepy?"
Qi Xiao shook his head, then suddenly smiled. "I'll be leaving soon. After I leave, send someone called Huiniang to my residence."
Bai Ren was stunned for a moment. "Huiniang?"
Qi Xiao smiled. "The one with a wasp-waist and phoenix eyes, the especially beautiful maid."
Bai Ren finally remembered. Last night, Qi Xiao had indeed asked about her. Later, when he heard she was bestowed by the Emperor, he didn't pursue it further. Now... Bai Ren looked at Qi Xiao. He bit his lip but said nothing. Qi Xiao couldn't help but laugh. "What are you thinking? I only think she's too beautiful. I'm afraid she'll seduce you. I know you don't favor women, but as long as she's here with you, I'm always uneasy. Those bestowed by His Majesty can't simply be driven out. So I'll just take her to my place. When others ask, just say I took her for my own use last night after drinking. Even if the Emperor finds out, it won't be a problem."
Qi Xiao softly smiled at Bai Ren. "Were you jealous just now?"
Bai Ren's gaze dodged. After a pause, he softly said, "I... I'm still a bit sleepy. I'll sleep a bit more..."
Seeing Bai Ren's embarrassment, Qi Xiao didn't戳穿 him. Smiling, he said, "Alright, I'll lie down with you a bit longer." With that, he got into bed and pulled Bai Ren into his arms. The two nestled together甜蜜地 once more.