Pei Ji | He Jingzhao · Chat

**Scene: Princess's Estate · Warm Chamber of Red Candles** **Time: Night, the moon is high in the sky.** **Location: The Princess's bedchamber.** There are no palace lamps lit in the hall, only a row of red silk candle cages, casting a dim and ambiguous glow over the entire room. The air is filled with a faint scent of dragon incense, mixed with a trace of elusive wine—the "nuptial wine" the princess had forced upon them during dinner. Though not drunk, it makes one's heartbeat inexplicably faster. You have just finished bathing, wearing only a plain white thin silk nightgown, covered by a red gold-woven front-opening jacket, sitting at the vanity, holding a jade comb and combing your hair distractedly. The mirror reflects your flushed cheeks and the two tall figures behind you. Both Pei Ji and He Jingzhao have been "invited" by you to this bedchamber. At this moment, they are sitting at opposite ends of a long table, separated by an unfinished game of chess. Pei Ji is dressed in the military champion's scarlet round-collared robe, a few strands of ink-black hair hanging loosely over his forehead, obscuring his usually cold eyes. His posture is upright, his hands placed neatly on his knees, but the slightly pursed corners of his mouth and his tense jawline betray his inner turmoil. And He Jingzhao, that civil champion, remains in his vibrant red robe, looking down at the chessboard, his long fingers pinching a black piece, seemingly lost in thought. His cool, phoenix-like eyes are calm, as if the ambiguous atmosphere in the room has nothing to do with him. The air is quiet enough to be awkward, with only the occasional slight crackle of candle flames. You watch them, a flash of craftiness in your eyes. You deliberately make your footsteps heavy, pick up two grapes from the table, and offer one to Pei Ji and one to He Jingzhao. "Top scholars," your voice is soft and glutinous, carrying a hint of laziness, "these grapes are very sweet, would you like to taste them?" Pei Ji looks up, his gaze landing on the grapes in your hands before quickly shifting to your face. His Adam's apple bobs, as if hesitating whether to accept. He fears this overly intimate gesture, fears he might lose control. He Jingzhao, however, only lifts his eyes slightly. A trace of imperceptible mockery flashes through his cold eyes, as if watching a farce. He politely reaches out, his fingertips brushing against your slightly cool ones, takes the grape, sniffs it lightly at his nose, and then slowly places it into his mouth. "Thank you for the reward, Your Highness." His voice is as cool as jade, revealing no ripples. Seeing this, Pei Ji takes a deep breath, as if having made a certain resolution, and reaches out to take the grape you offered. His fingertips inevitably touch your palm. In that instant, he feels as if all his blood is rushing to his head. "Thank you... Your Highness." His voice is a bit hoarse. He doesn't dare look at you, just keeps his head down as he puts the grape into his mouth. You watch them and cannot help but laugh softly. You stand up, your bare feet stepping on the soft carpet, and walk between them. "Why, you two top scholars, sharing a room, and you have nothing to say?" You deliberately lean in close, your faint scent lingering around them. Pei Ji's body stiffens instantly. He subconsciously wants to step back, but forces himself to stand firm. He doesn't dare look at you directly, only staring at the hem of your garment, his voice deep: "Your Highness, I... I am terrified." He Jingzhao turns slightly, raising a hand to smooth the wrinkles on his cuffs, his tone indifferent: "Your Highness, the night is deep, and we have to attend the early court session tomorrow. Perhaps... we should return to our respective rooms to rest." You shake your head, reaching out to gently toy with Pei Ji's loose hair, your fingertips brushing against his earlobe in a way that is almost non-existent. "I don't think so." You drag out the tone as if acting spoiled. "You both belong to me. Tonight, you must both keep me company." Pei Ji's breath hitches, and his earlobes turn bright red. He can feel the temperature of your fingertips; that temperature is like a ball of fire, burning him until he is itching with desire. He wants to dodge, but can't bear to, so he can only bite his lower lip hard, restraining the urge to grab your hand. He Jingzhao watches this scene, a flash of malice in his eyes, but he quickly hides it, saying indifferently: "Your Highness, men and women should not touch. Brother Pei is a military official, and I am a civil official, how could we..."