Your Highness, Please Love Me Tender

143. The Runaway Emperor (2)

Translator: Flying Lines

“Young Hero Wen, may I come in?”

Tuoba Qingheng wanted to follow Su Jie into his room, but he didn’t expect the latter to shut the door right in front of him, which almost knocked his nose. Although he was burning with anger, he still held it all back and knocked gently on the door.

“Come in.”

Su Jie was sitting on a chair, pouring a glass of water, and staring nonchalantly at Tuoba Qingheng who was walking in.

“Young Hero Wen, I have a request that I don’t know if I should…” Tuoba Qingheng looked hesitant.

“Then don’t.” Su Jie put his package down on the table and unwrapped a parcel, inside which were a few meat buns that had already got cold.

“I…” Tuoba Qingheng was helpless because of Su Jie’s indifferent attitude. He had always thought that his charming face could at least buy him some convenience, but he didn’t expect to be rebuffed right in the face.

Tuoba Qingheng didn’t dare to take Su Jie lightly and said, “Then let’s get straight to the point. Help me and I’ll pay you back.”

“What reward?”

“This…” Tuoba Qingheng’s words were stuck in his throat. He wanted to use high official positions and riches to seduce Su Jie, but suddenly he remembered that he was currently penniless and homeless. The only valuable thing he had was his clothes and a delicate pendant. Nothing else.

Such a dire situation made Tuoba Qingheng feel a little helpless. Though a prince, he could not return to his own country and had to wander helplessly in this foreign land.

Tuoba Qingheng came from State Xi. His mother was once the most favored concubine of the emperor of State Xi, but after her death, he became a thorn in the emperor’s side.

Tuoba Qingheng’s mother was the most beautiful woman in State Xi who had married a swordsman. However, the emperor of State Xi once got injured during his secret travel in disguise and was saved by the swordsman who took him home where the emperor saw Tuoba Qingheng’s mother, immediately captivated by her beauty.

The Emperor of State Xi was deeply in love with this beauty enchanting enough to set the whole world on fire. When the palace guards found him, he revealed to the swordsman his identity and his intention to take his wife as his concubine, promising the swordsman wealth and high position for the rest of his life.

However, the hero was a man of virile character. The moment he heard that the person he saved was coveting his wife, he unsheathed his sword in anger, wanting to kill, but he was outnumbered and quickly caught by the palace guards.

The Emperor of State Xi threatened Tuoba Qinghong’s mother with the swordsman’s life and forced her to be his concubine.

After a few months, the beautiful woman gave birth to Tuoba Qingheng.

The Emperor of State Xi suspected that this child was not his, so he didn’t like Tuoba Qingheng. However, because he loved the beauty, he could only think of another way to treat Tuoba Qingheng . He arranged two guards to ‘protect’ Tuoba Qingheng all year round in the name of affection and never allowed Tuoba Qingheng to learn martial arts.

It was not until two years ago that Tuoba Qingheng’s mother died after long years of depression that he relaxed his control over Tuoba Qingheng.

Tuoba Qingheng set up a plan to escape. He knew that the Emperor couldn’t tolerate him, but he was weak and painstakingly worked out a plan for nearly two years and finally found a way to escape from the palace after buying over several eunuchs and maids.

However, right at this time, the Emperor of State Xi issued a decree to present him to the new emperor of State Yanling.

When Tuoba Qingheng heard the news, he fainted right away out of rage.

When he woke up, he was escorted by a group of people on the way to State YanLing.

On the way, Tuoba Qingheng tried every means possible to escape, but all failed. Today, he managed to escape again, but luck wasn’t in his side as the city gate was closed. Fortunately, he met Su Jie, who had great martial arts.

In order not to be caught, Tuoba Qingheng had to find a way to persuade Su Jie to help him.

“I have a smart brain,” Tuoba Qingheng tilted his head and said.

“Oh?” Su Jie raised his eyebrows and took a sip of water, waiting for Tuoba Qingheng’s to continue.

“If you save me today, I will definitely not forget your kindness. I need you to help me avoid the pursuit and provide me some money. In return, I can make more and more money for you. What do you think?” Tuoba Qingheng sat opposite Su Jie and said solemnly, “Believe me, I know how to make perfumes. I learned from my mother the imperial… Mother taught me and I have great communication and interpersonal skill. I’m sure I’ll make great money, by then Young Hero Wen, you can come to claim whatever amount of money anytime.”

Tuoba Qingheng almost blurted “imperil concubine”. He had lived in the palace since he was a child, and managed to survive till now, Tuoba Qingheng was by no means someone simple or stupid. Though knowing nothing about martial arts, Tuoba Qingheng had always been outstanding in terms of literature, talents, etc., but he knew how to hide and never showed it.

After leaving the State Xi, Tuoba Qingheng didn’t intend to go back. What he lacked now was a noble who could help him, letting him get rid of his ruined fate and take control of his own life.

“You want to do the fragrance business?” Su Jie was not surprised. He had the feeling that Tuoba Qingheng was not a simple person. Tuoba Qingheng’s appearance was too beautiful, and his skin was also delicate and smooth. Even though his clothes were dirty like a beggar, he could see that the embroidered patterns on the robe were delicate.

“I plan to do this at the beginning. When the business grow, then I can open a teahouse or something like that,” Tuoba Qingheng replied after thinking seriously for a while.

“I can help you, but the details need to be discussed in detail. I not only want you to earn money, but I will have a part of the industry under your name,” Su Jie said as he put down the cup of water in his hand.

Tuoba Qingheng was shocked. He didn’t expect Su Jie to be so ambitious. Was this Young Hero Wen interested in business?

“This is 10,000 taels of silver, and you will be fully in charge of the business. In the future, I have fifty percent share of everything under your name. If you agree, you can take this silver note away, and I can help you deal with the people who are chasing you. If you disagree, we will go separate ways,” Su Jie handed the silver note to Tuoba Qingheng.

“You… you’re very bold. Aren’t you afraid that I’ll lose?” Tuoba Qingheng felt himself stupid immediately after the words escape his lips. A person who could take out 10,000 taels of silver so easily wouldn’t mind that, he was merely taking it as one of his little investments, but what surprised Tuoba Qingheng was that this ordinary teenager in front of him was wearing the clothes of a common family. How could he casually take out such a large sum of silver notes?

“If you fail, what I lose will just be a silver note.” Su Jie smiled. He had been enthroned recently, and the power in his hand was relatively weak. If the beautiful young man in front of him was successful in business and can achieve something big, then he would have a lot of help. If this beautiful young man only made a small achievement, then he would take it as a support to a passerby and no longer need to pay attention to this young man.

“You’re a smart person. I’m sorry for my rudeness. Qingheng is honored to be able to cooperate with you,” after a short silence, Tuoba Qingheng said as his thin lips curved into a slight arc.

The smile was bright and beautiful like a blooming flower, and charmed the waiter who had just brought the food in.

Su Jie sighed in his heart about the beauty of Tuoba Qingheng again. Seeing the infatuation in the waiter’s eyes, Su Jie frowned slightly, hope his beauty would not cause any trouble.

“Waiter, I’ll give you some silver. Help me buy some herbs. If this is done, I’ll reward you handsomely, “Su Jie waved and ordered the waiter in a straightforward tone.

“Alright, please wait a moment,” the waiter took the silver with delight and repeated the things Su Jie wanted to buy. After confirming that there was no mistake, he turned to leave after stealing a glance at Tuoba Qingheng.

“Wait, I’ll give you another three taels of silver. Please buy this young master a few suitable clothes.”

“Yes, my guest.” When he heard that he was buying clothes for Tuoba Qingheng, the waiter grinned ear to ear, but he didn’t dare to look at Tuoba Qingheng. After all, Su Jie in disguise looked not someone to be trifled with and he didn’t dare to provoke Su Jie.

When the waiter went out of the room, Su Jie sighed, “It’s such a troublesome thing to bring you along. I hope that the waiter doesn’t harbor any evil intentions.”

“Aren’t you here? He can’t do anything to me,” Tuoba Qingheng laughed and didn’t take this matter to heart.

Su Jie didn’t answer and silently ate the food on the table. When he was about to have enough, the waiter came back with a bunch of things.

“Alright, you can go out. This is for you,” Su Jie took out a few pieces of silver and gave it to the waiter. It was a habit that Su Jie had developed for many years not to expose his wealth, but he couldn’t leave Tuoba Qingheng now. He was afraid that Tuoba Qingheng would be taken away, so Su Jie had to ask the waiter to buy what he needed. As for the tip, a small sum would do; too much of it would only make the waiter greedy.

“Thank you, Young Master, thank you very much,” the waiter thanked him repeatedly, but evil intention already grew in his heart.

As the saying goes, human heart is easy to be swayed, either by money or lust. Although the waiter didn’t have any evil thoughts towards Su Jie, he had filthy intentions towards Tuoba Qingheng. The waiter’s mind was now full of Tuoba Qingheng, so obsessed that he even staggered.

The waiter walked out of the room in a daze and glanced at Tuoba Qingheng when he closed the door.

Beautiful! He was too beautiful!

The waiter secretly exclaimed, his heart beating faster. He felt like his heart was about to jump out of his throat.

Tuoba Qingheng had rich experiences, so he naturally noticed the greed and abnormality in the waiter’s eyes. He felt that he was in a dire situation tonight, so he said to Su Jie, “Young Hero Wen, do you mind if I sleep on the floor in your room?”

“Suit youself,” replied Su Jie with a cold voice.

“Thank you,” Tuoba Qingheng didn’t worry a bit that Su Jie might anything to him. First of all, Su Jie’s eyes were indifferent and calm, like a clear-minded person. Secondly, Su Jie’s martial arts were strong. He couldn’t resist even if he had any vile thoughts about him.

This night, Tuoba Qingheng slept peacefully.

When he woke up the next day, Su Jie came back with two bowls of porridge.

“Get up and have breakfast. I know the disguise technique and will help you disguise after breakfast. It’ll make it easier for you in the future,” Su Jie put down the bowl and said.

After Tuoba Qingheng freshened up, fragrant dishes were placed on the table, and even the porridge seemed to have a tempting aroma.

The delicious food really worked up Tuoba Qingheng’s appetite. After the meal, he licked his lips and asked, “This meal is more delicious than that of last night. Have they found a new cook?”