Good Night, Mr. Ghost - Chapter 97
Jiang Chenyi happily went upstairs to start writing a letter. He wanted to ask how things were at home and consider bringing his family, including his younger siblings, to Yanjing City in the future. Hmm, two hundred taels might not be much here in Yanjing, but in Suicheng County, it was quite a sum! Life was about to reach its peak!
In the evening, the three of them set up a table in the courtyard for a feast. Wang Dabao cooked the dishes himself, showcasing his excellent culinary skills. The roasted chicken, bought from outside, had crispy skin and tender meat, glistening with delicious oils. The braised pork knuckle was slow-cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, falling off the bone. The sweet and sour ribs were fresh and tasty, with a sauce that clung deliciously to the steamed buns. There were also various side dishes and fried fish.
The three drank and ate, and by the time they finished, Jiang was already tipsy. It had been a long time since he had drunk alcohol. Or perhaps, he had never drunk before? Feeling dizzy, Wang Dabao helped him back to his room, then returned to continue drinking with Mu zili.
The bright moon hung high, casting a gentle glow over everything. In the grand palace, a figure lay on a soft couch, casually flipping through memorials. Occasionally, he would mutter a few words, “Jade dew teases the flower’s grace.”
Suddenly, he sat up, touched his chin, and called out, “Qingxiu.”
The grand hall’s door opened, and a guard in a red uniform entered and knelt, “Qingxiu is here, My Lord. What are your orders?”
Meng Loudi, his clothes half-open, leaned against the desk, tapping his fingers on the surface. “That storyteller today, how much do you know about him?”
This was someone the young emperor was interested in. Naturally, the guards had thoroughly investigated and reported back to His Majesty. However, they hadn’t expected the Prince Regent to also take an interest.
Qingxiu, still kneeling, replied, “His name is Jiang Chenyi, from Suicheng County, twenty years old. He became a licentiate four years ago and entered Yanjing City this July. He currently resides in a small inn on West Street, making a living by storytelling in a tavern. His audience is mostly commoners.”
Meng Loudi’s eyes flickered as he looked at the desk. “I have a task for you.”
In the dead of night, Jiang lay on his bed, feeling warm all over. He tugged at his collar, suddenly remembering not to tear his clothes, and mumbled as he turned over.
Two shadows in black appeared at his door, lifted him, and stuffed him into a sack, taking him away. The room was left empty.
Inside the sack, Jiang was carried on someone’s shoulder, swaying back and forth. The night was silent, and naturally, no one noticed a living person being taken away.
Jiang was thrown into a bath and scrubbed clean. The young man, still groggy, opened his eyes. Despite being drunk, he was obedient, doing whatever he was told.
After hearing Qingxiu’s report, Meng Loudi nodded. “Once he’s cleaned up, bring him to me.”
“Yes.”
Soon, a freshly bathed Jiang, dressed in a white robe, was sent to the Prince Regent’s quarters. Pushed inside, he leaned against the door, still a bit dazed. How did drinking lead to this? Was he dreaming?
The Prince Regent, lounging on the couch, propped his chin and observed him. His skin had a healthy glow, not pale but quite pleasing. His hair was neatly tied, and he looked at Meng Loudi with a silly expression.
Meng Loudi extended a hand, as if summoning a pet. “Come here.”
Jiang hesitated but obediently walked over. “What’s up?”
Standing before the Prince Regent, he looked down at him. It had been a long time since Meng Loudi was looked at like this. He smiled, then suddenly kicked Jiang’s leg hard.
The pain was real! Jiang yelped and almost knelt. Meng Loudi caught him, then, with his obsession with cleanliness kicking in, pushed Jiang away, wiping his clothes disdainfully before tossing them aside, revealing a lean, muscular upper body.
“Ugh.” Meng Loudi frowned, feeling he had gone too far on a whim.
The young man, pushed away, landed on the floor. Fortunately, it was wooden, but the impact sobered Jiang up a bit. He hissed, clutching his backside, and looked around. “Where is this?”
Meng Loudi, now only in trousers, sat casually on the couch, staring at him, a scoff escaping his nose. “Sober now?”
“Uh, almost.” Jiang recognized the person he had seen earlier, instantly sobering up.
Meng Loudi observed him, noting he wasn’t afraid. Perhaps he didn’t know who Meng Loudi was yet. The Prince Regent smiled, “Do you know who I am?”
What a beautiful smile. I know, you’re a deity, Jiang thought to himself, blushing and shaking his head. “I don’t know.”
Meng Loudi’s smile widened. “I am the current Prince Regent, Prince Fu’an, Meng Loudi.”
Jiang’s mind froze for a moment. The Prince Regent of the Song Dynasty was quite famous, with many rumors about him, both good and bad. Rumors of impotence, cruelty, cunning, and ambition circulated, alongside tales of his handsome appearance, charisma, and governance skills.
But people seemed more interested in the negative rumors. Jiang couldn’t help but be influenced. He instinctively glanced at the Prince Regent’s lower body.
Meng Loudi, puzzled, followed his gaze. “…”
Meng Loudi’s brow furrowed. He was aware of some rumors about himself. “What are you looking at?” The Prince Regent glared at Jiang.
Jiang quickly knelt, “Forgive me, My Lord! I deserve to die!”
“Then off with your head?” Meng Loudi said indifferently.
The young scholar trembled, “No, My Lord, my life is worthless, don’t dirty your hands.”
Jiang knelt, forehead touching the ground, trembling all over. This was terrifying. These people could decide life and death without a second thought. He swallowed hard, unsure how to save his life.
Meng Loudi tapped the table, watching the terrified scholar, feeling uneasy. From this angle, he could see the skin on Jiang’s neck…
The Prince Regent tapped the table again and again, making Jiang anxious. Jiang, now mostly sober, felt his mind in chaos. He realized today might be his last.
Kneeling, trembling, tears welled up in his eyes. Meng Loudi, feeling uncomfortable, tapped the table, annoyed that Jiang wasn’t lifting his head or pleading for mercy. Earlier, he seemed so talkative.
“Lift your head,” the young man’s voice carried impatience.
Jiang shivered but couldn’t hold back his tears. He dared not disobey, trembling as he lifted his face.
The tear-streaked face met Meng Loudi’s gaze. The face was wet and red, eyes watery, lashes clumped with tears. Ugly!
The Prince Regent grew angrier. Was he really that terrifying? Meng Loudi felt even more uncomfortable. “Why are you crying?!”
“My Lord, sob,” Jiang was so scared he couldn’t hold back the sobs.
The Prince Regent glanced aside, tempted to order him dragged out and beaten. Finally, Jiang mustered the courage to save himself. He crawled to the Prince Regent, fingers trembling as they hovered near his trousers.
With tear-filled eyes, he pleaded, “My Lord, Prince Fu’an, I have elderly parents and young siblings. Though my life is worthless, my family depends on me. Please spare me, and I’ll repay your kindness as a loyal servant!”
Meng Loudi looked at his fingers. The nails weren’t well-trimmed, with calloused edges. Ugh. His eyes lifted, meeting Jiang’s gaze. “You can speak well, can’t you?”
“Yes, My Lord,” Jiang forced a pitiful smile.
Meng Loudi continued, “You’re a storyteller.”
“Yes, I tell stories at a small tavern, good with words.” Jiang couldn’t guess what Meng Loudi wanted, so he played along.
Hearing this, the Prince Regent’s gaze drifted to Jiang’s lips, full and slightly marked with teeth. Bitten just now? He noted their proximity, torn between wanting to draw closer and pushing him away.
“Back off, keep your distance.” The obsession with cleanliness kicked in again.
Jiang quickly shuffled back, maintaining a safe distance. The Prince Regent resumed tapping the table, one tap after another.
Jiang looked up, grinning obsequiously, “Any orders, My Lord?”
“Today, you saw me, right?”
“Yes, yes, I didn’t know you were the Prince Regent, hence my failure to greet you. My apologies, my apologies.”
The Prince Regent watched his fearful demeanor, chuckling. “Earlier, you mentioned something. What was it? I remember a line, ‘jade dew teases the flower’s grace.'”
“That was about a female ghost and a rich young master’s romantic encounter,” Jiang broke into a cold sweat. Was this something regulated in Yanjing? He had only included it to please the tavern’s patrons. A mix of excitement and allure was what they liked. Had he known, he wouldn’t have told it!
“Female ghost?” The Prince Regent tilted his head, “What about a male ghost?”
“What?” Jiang recoiled in shock.
The Prince Regent smiled, “Change it to a male ghost.”
“Yes, yes!” Jiang obediently agreed. His life was in their hands; he couldn’t argue.
“But, My Lord, I’m not familiar with same-sex love…” Jiang tried to preserve his dignity as a straight man.
Meng Loudi cast a glance, emitting a hum. “Hmm?”
“Nothing, nothing.” Jiang deflated instantly. It was just about men, right? Similar to women, it didn’t matter. His life was more important. Jiang heard the sound of his principles shattering.
The Prince Regent tapped the table twice more, unknowingly feeling a bit excited. “So, Jiang Chenyi, start telling the story of the male ghost and the rich young master.” A faint blush appeared on the Prince Regent’s face. He looked stunning, but it couldn’t hide his nature. He was a complete pervert!
Jiang internally lamented. No wonder there were rumors of impotence; he didn’t even like women!
