To be honest, Ji Bozai was the most handsome man Ming Yi had ever seen. It wasn’t just his looks; it was his yuan power—rich, abundant, and unfathomable—that any practitioner would envy. If such a person were good, the world would be at peace. But what if he wasn’t?
A shiver ran down her spine, yet her smile grew even more radiant. “I was just thinking, what kind of woman would be worthy of a celestial being like you, my lord?”
Young women often liked to ponder such frivolous things.
He chuckled, caressing her waist lazily. “Naturally, someone like you.”
Nonsense, he says that to everyone.
Rolling her eyes, she turned back with a bright smile. “I am truly honored.”
“Lord Ji!” A woman approached from below, holding a wine cup, hesitantly calling out to him, then frowning at Ming Yi.
Ji Bozai looked up, his expression slightly indifferent. “What is it?”
“I haven’t had the chance to pay my respects to you in a long time, and seeing you here, I thought I’d come over,” the woman said, somewhat aggrieved. “Congratulations on finding another beauty.”
This woman, adorned with jewels, clearly held a high status. Had she also been involved with him?
Ming Yi was dumbfounded, but Ji Bozai remained aloof. “Thank you, Madam Zhou.”
Madam Zhou’s eyes reddened, but with so many people around, she said nothing more. She drank her wine, cast him a lingering glance, and returned to her seat.
Ji Bozai turned to see the person beside him looking at him with shining eyes.
“What strange things are you thinking now?” he asked, amused.
Ming Yi chuckled, clasping her hands together. “My lord has always had a good reputation. I imagine you treat your former companions well.”
Perhaps he found them wealthy families or gave them money and houses. If they could all leave him as adorned as that woman, then his flirtatious nature could be forgiven.
Her eyes showed longing.
Ji Bozai felt a surge of irritation. He had been generous, not holding her accountable, yet she was already thinking of becoming a former companion.
Were all these days of affection just an act?
He was used to playing others, but this little thing dared to try playing him.
Wishful thinking.
Withdrawing his hand without a trace, he put on a gentle smile and served her a dish. “How could someone as charming as you become a former companion? Are you worried I’ve lost interest?”
He emphasized the word “interest.”
Ming Yi’s ears burned, and she twitched her lips. “My lord is too modest.”
He was in excellent health, and in recent days, he had been as fierce as a wolf, almost swallowing her whole. Lost interest, my foot.
“Then perhaps I’ve been in a bad mood lately, causing you concern,” he sighed, his long lashes casting a shadow. “It’s my fault.”
Ming Yi shivered inexplicably.
This man was gentle, pleasing to the eye, even kinder than before, yet she felt a bit scared.
“My lord is a dragon among men; how could you say such things to me?” She quickly nestled into his arms, pouring him wine.
Ji Bozai looked down at her. “You don’t blame me?”
How could she dare?
Ming Yi forced a smile. “I’ve never blamed you, my lord.”
“You are the gentlest woman I’ve ever met.” He smiled contentedly, kissing her forehead.
The woman at the table looked over enviously, examining her clothes and jewelry while whispering.
Soon, the main city would be abuzz with the trend of wearing pleated skirts in the color of mist and various outfits favored by Ji Bozai, but that was a story for another time.
At that moment, Ming Yi was anxious. Not only was Ji Bozai like this in the palace, but he was also more affectionate when they returned to the villa, even taking her to the study.
Ming Yi shook her head repeatedly. “I can’t walk anymore.”
“No problem.” He scooped her up effortlessly. “I’ll carry you.”
“……”
His chest was firm, his arms strong, carrying her through the courtyard without breaking a sweat. But leaning against him, Ming Yi felt her end was near, visions of various deaths flashing before her eyes.
Was there any way to save herself?
“My lord.” Bu Xiu entered from outside, surprised to see her, and fell silent.
Ji Bozai said, “It’s fine, speak.”
“Half an hour ago, the fire at the East Street pharmacy was extinguished. The shopkeeper and several clerks didn’t make it out.”
Ming Yi’s ears perked up.
Why report such a civilian matter to him?
A bad feeling crept in, and she struggled. “My lord, I need to change.”
Ji Bozai held her down, ignoring her, and continued, “Did the magistrate send someone over?”
“Zheng Tiao acted quickly; the magistrate hasn’t traced it back to the pharmacy yet.”
Ming Yi: “……”
She seemed to understand something.
On the verge of tears, she covered her ears, trembling.
This wasn’t something the living should hear.
Unexpectedly, Ji Bozai pulled her hand down and continued, “Keep an eye on the magistrate’s office.”
“Yes.”
Bu Xiu closed the door, leaving Ming Yi trembling like a quail in Ji Bozai’s arms.
“What are you afraid of?” He stroked her cheek. “I trust you, which is why I brought you into this discussion.”
Ming Yi’s face was as white as paper, her lips trembling. “Thank you, my lord.”
Thank you and your ancestors for involving her in murder and arson.
His thumb gently brushed her trembling lips, and Ji Bozai sighed. “Aren’t you curious why I do these things?”
No, she wasn’t curious!
Ming Yi shook her head in terror, but he seemed oblivious, nodding. “Since you’re curious, I’ll tell you.”
Tell her nothing; she didn’t want to hear!
Her brows furrowed like caterpillars as she tried to struggle, but he pressed her neck, pinning her to his lap.
“Once, there was a family, wealthy and powerful. They adopted many orphans from the slave market, teaching them martial arts and feeding them. Their kindness was immense. But the family’s eldest daughter was framed by several physicians as unfaithful.”
“On an orphan’s birthday, the family was raided, exiled, and the gentle, quiet eldest daughter died before the orphan’s eyes.”
He spoke slowly, pinching her earlobe. “Tell me, should the orphan seek revenge for them?”
Ming Yi was stunned, her heart stirred.
So he had experienced this?
If it were her, she would seek revenge too, though killing under the magistrate’s nose was indeed bold.
Her body stopped trembling, and she looked up at him with sympathy. “My lord… no parents?”
Ji Bozai pitifully lowered his eyes. “I was born in the slave market.”
The slave market was a terrible place, with overseers whipping daily and heavy labor.
Ming Yi felt guilty.
If not for her, he wouldn’t be like this.