The Lecherous Prince and His Playmate [BL]

The palace was decorated with royal decor signifying the era of a new monarch. In celebration of the coronation of the new emperor, tax won’t be collected for the next three months, a decision the officials weren’t happy about but with Changling’s warning of banning any illegal taxation if they went against his words, it would only mean their end.

Standing with his hands on his son’s shoulders, he looked at him proudly. “I still remember the day you entered the palace, wet behind the ears and arrogance that reached the heavens. I was worried that this day would never come. It’s been a journey but we’re here now son, we made it.'“

Wiping the old man's tears away, he said, “I’m handsome right?”

Wu Yong scoffed, “Only because of me.”

“You would have died young if it wasn’t for me!” Changling reminded him.

Hugging his son, “And I’m ever so grateful that you exist.”

Sighing, he nodded. “Now I can retire. I’ll be leaving in the morning to visit your girls and bid my goodbye.”

Changling rolled his eyes. “You sound like you’re dying.”

“Dying to leave this place. Remember, son, you’ll need to manage the kingdom wisely, but also your household. No more trouble. The days of being young and reckless are over and no more fighting unless it’s for the rights of the citizens.” Changling nodded, appreciating his wise words.

*

The maidens welcomed the old ruler to the temple, and to receive him was none other than the crown princess and Youxia. Youxia rushed into his arms. “It’s been so long. Thank you for arriving safely, grandfather.”

“How are you doing?” Wu Yong laughed. “I see you’re still good at sweet talking. Why do I sense that you’re still mischievous?”

She giggled, slipping out of his arms. He looked at the crown princess, who bowed to him, “How are you fairing Haeun? You must be lonely.”

She shook her head with a smile. “Not at all, your majesty. The girls keep me company.”

He looked around, frowning as he asked, “Where’s Yerim?”

Youxia scoffed. “Ever since arriving, she doesn’t want to be under the same roof as me.”

He looked down at her, concerned, then at Haeun, who shook her head sadly, unable to answer his question. “Looks like you’re having a tough time dealing with them.”

“Not at all.” She answered, rubbing her stomach. Seeing the action reminded him of the news he heard.

Jumping in his step as he approached her, he placed his hands on her stomach. “That’s right, I almost forgot. Ah-Xian told me the great news. I don’t know what’s great about that,” Youxia mumbled, earning a glare from her mother and making her smirk.

*

Entering Yerim’s chambers, Haeun looked at her. The child before her was glaring at her. How she wanted to smack her but held her anger back, reminding herself that Yerim had just lost her mother. “Your grandfather is here. Why didn’t you come to greet him?”

Her frown deepened. “No one told me he was coming.”

She raised a brow. “I sent Youxia to call you. Oh Yes you’ve accustomed yourself to ignoring your sister.”

Clenching her fists as she stood up. She bowed. “I was wrong.”

Haeun nodded, “Come he’s waiting for you.”

They arrived in the ancestral hall, and she saw her sister bowing beside their grandfather. When she kneeled beside him, Wu Yong looked down at her and saw that she barely had an expression.

Looking at Youxia, “Leave us.”

She got up so quickly. Constantly kneeling to the dead wasn’t her favourite thing to do.

“Have you paid respects to your mother, Yerim?”

She nodded her head, clenching her fists.

“When will you stop this anger?” He asked, sitting down on the cushion.

“Maybe when she’s dead.”

Wu Yong sighed. “Who are you talking about?”

“Youxia.”

“Your sister?” He asked, shocked. “Why would you wish her death?”

“Isn’t she the one who killed my mother?”

“What makes you say that?”

She looked at him briefly, then back at the name plagues. She recalled the conversations she had with her other grandmother, who accused her sister with valid reasons. Wiping away the tears, she asked. “She tried to kill me and had my mother kicked out of our home.”

“Is that your reason? What makes you think your sister is that capable?”

Glancing up at him as if he should know what she was about to say, she asked him, “Didn’t you think she was innocent when she poisoned me? She studied medicine with the physician. All of you said she was going to be a physician for the family. What happened? She poisoned me, and now my mother is dead.

Sighing, he asked her, What would you do if she really is the one who killed your mother? Facing the shrine, she narrowed her eyes and remained silent. She had a strong will to kill but knew she was incapable of doing it.

*

Looking at Haeun, he sighed,” You have your hands full.”

She nodded, “Yes, but I’m managing.”

“What do you think of the situation?” He asked, probing for clues.

She shook her head. Sipping from the cup, she stared at him and said, “There’s no evidence, but she’s cunning, just like her fathers. Her whole attitude towards this isn’t helping and only fueling Yerim’s anger.”

He let out a long, contemplative sigh. “Your husband might have more problems than he can see.”

She nodded. “I can only pray that the days hurry and Youxia is married away. She’ll be out of our hair. At this point, Youxian has had it with her. Killing her is his last option.”

“We cannot let her die. Our Kingdom will be destroyed if the Lekranian’s don’t get their queen.”

“It seems like she wants to get revenge but I’ve advised her against it but we can never know with Changling’s offspring.”

“And we do not know what Youxia is really capable of. Maybe she’ll die for real this time.”

Haeun nodded. “I’ll try to guide her, too.” 

*

Gliding the milky water through her fingers as the steam rose from its surface, Youxia’s gaze moved to the doorway that opened. In walked her sister, furious as always.

She swam over to the edge with a smile and leaned against it with her hands folded in front of her. Resting her chin on her arms, she looked at her sister, asking, “And what do I owe the visit?”

Glaring at her, she said, “I know you killed my mother.”

Youxia laughed. “Aren’t you tired of this? It’s getting boring, Yerim.”

She kicked her foot out, but Youxia was quicker. She grabbed Yerim’s ankle and pulled her into the water.

Bursting out of the water, Yerim looked at her and tried to hit her sister, but her hand was caught. “You’re evil! I hate you.”

Youxia slapped her. “I’ll kill you!” Yerim screeched.

Grabbing her by the hair as she stood up in the bath, she forced her sister down into the water, suffocating her with the water and bringing her up for a short breath, then forcing her down again.

Yerim clawed at her hand, her nails breaking Youxia’s skin, but she wasn’t fazed. When she was sure her sister was done fighting her. She pulled her up. Looking down at Yerim, who was exhausted and looked like she was going to die, she smirked, “There is a difference between us you can never get over. You aren’t a match for me, and I won’t think twice before killing you. Now, my dear sister, get out of my water and make me some tea while you are at it.”