To be honest, Ji Bozhai was the most handsome man Mingyi had ever seen, not just in appearance but also in his Essence Power—rich, abundant, and unfathomably deep. Any Essence Power wielder would yearn for such a man.

If such a person were good-natured, the world would naturally be at peace.

But what if he wasn’t?

A shiver crept up her spine, yet her smile only grew brighter. "This servant was just thinking, what kind of woman could possibly be worthy of a celestial being like you, my lord?"

Women always liked to dwell on such trivial matters.

He chuckled lazily, caressing her waist. "Someone like you, of course."

Ugh, he probably said that to everyone.

Rolling her eyes to the side, she turned back with a radiant smile. "This servant is truly honored beyond words."

"Lord Ji!" A woman suddenly approached from below, holding a wine cup. She hesitated before calling out to him, then frowned at Mingyi.

Ji Bozhai lifted his gaze, his expression cooling slightly. "What can I do for you?"

"It’s just been so long since I last paid my respects to you, and now that we’ve met here, I wanted to come and see you." The woman sounded aggrieved. "Congratulations on finding another beauty."

Adorned with jewels from head to toe, this woman clearly held a high status. Had she also once been involved with him?

Mingyi was stunned, but Ji Bozhai remained indifferent. "Thank you, Madam Zhou."

Madam Zhou’s eyes reddened, but with so many people around, she said nothing more. After draining her cup, she cast one last longing glance at him before returning to her seat.

When Ji Bozhai turned back, he found Mingyi staring at him with sparkling eyes.

"What strange thoughts are you having now?" he asked, amused.

Mingyi giggled, clasping her hands together. "My lord has always had an impeccable reputation. I imagine you treat your past lovers generously."

Perhaps finding them wealthy families or bestowing them with money and estates. If leaving him meant ending up as lavishly adorned as that woman just now, then his flirtatious nature might be forgivable.

Her eyes gleamed with longing.

Ji Bozhai was instantly irked. He had been magnanimous enough not to hold her antics against her, and now she was already scheming to become one of his "past lovers."

Had all the affection she’d shown him these past days been nothing but an act?

He was the one who usually played others like puppets. How dare this little thing try to manipulate him?

Wishful thinking.

Without a trace of emotion, he withdrew his hand and replaced it with a gentle smile, picking up food for her. "How could someone as enchanting as Yi’er ever become a past lover? Unless you suspect my feelings have waned recently because I’ve been neglecting you?"

He emphasized the word "neglecting."

Mingyi’s ears burned, and her lips twitched. "My lord is too modest."

With his stamina and vigor, he’d been practically devouring her these past few days. Neglect? Hardly.

"Then it must be my recent moodiness that’s made you uneasy." He sighed, his long lashes casting a shadow. "My mistake."

Mingyi shuddered inexplicably.

The man before her was gentle, pleasing to the eye, and even kinder to her than before. Yet for some reason, she felt a twinge of fear.

"My lord is a dragon among men. How could you speak such words to this servant?" She quickly nestled into his arms and poured him wine.

Ji Bozhai looked down at her. "Yi’er doesn’t blame me?"

As if she had the nerve.

Mingyi forced a smile. "This servant has never blamed you, my lord."

"You truly are the gentlest woman I’ve ever met." Pleased, he leaned down and pressed a light kiss to her forehead.The women at the banquet cast envious glances her way, whispering among themselves as they took in her attire and jewelry.

Not long after, bamboo mist pleated skirts and various Ji Bozhai-inspired ensembles became all the rage in the main city—but that’s a story for another time.

At the moment, Mingyi was on edge. Not only was Ji Bozhai acting this way at the prince’s residence, but even after returning to the villa, he was more affectionate than usual. He even took the initiative to bring her to his study.

Mingyi shook her head repeatedly. “This servant can’t walk anymore.”

“No matter.” He reached out and scooped her up. “This lord will carry you.”

“…”

His chest was firm, his arms strong, effortlessly lifting her as he strode through courtyards and corridors without so much as a change in his breathing. But nestled against him, Mingyi felt as though her time was up, visions of being fried, boiled, or roasted flashing before her eyes.

Was there any way to save herself?

“My lord.” Buxiu entered from outside and, catching sight of her, paused in surprise.

Ji Bozhai, however, said, “It’s fine. Speak.”

“Half an hour ago, the fire at the apothecary on East Street was extinguished. The shopkeeper and a few clerks didn’t make it out.”

Mingyi’s ears twitched.

Why would such a civilian matter warrant a special report to him?

A bad feeling crept into her heart. She squirmed. “My lord, this servant needs to freshen up.”

Ji Bozhai held her in place, ignoring her as he continued, “Has the Adjudicator’s office sent anyone?”

“Zheng Tiao acted quickly. The Adjudicator hasn’t traced it back to the apothecary yet.”

Mingyi: “…”

She seemed to understand something.

On the verge of tears, she trembled and covered her ears.

This was not something meant for living ears.

To her horror, Ji Bozhai pulled her hands away and continued, “Keep an eye on the Adjudicator’s office.”

“Understood.”

Buxiu left, closing the door behind him, leaving Mingyi in Ji Bozhai’s arms, shaking like a little quail.

“What are you afraid of?” He stroked her cheek. “This lord trusts you, which is why he brings you into these discussions.”

Mingyi’s face was as pale as paper, her lips trembling. “Thank you, my lord.”

Thank your ancestors eighteen generations for letting her hear about these murderous, arsonous deeds.

His thumb brushed over her quivering lips as Ji Bozhai sighed. “Are you curious why I do these things?”

No, she wasn’t!

Mingyi shook her head frantically, but the man acted as if he were blind and hummed, “Since you’re curious, I’ll tell you.”

Tell her what? She didn’t want to hear it!

Her brows furrowed like caterpillars as she tried to struggle, but he pressed the back of her neck, pinning her to his lap.

“Once, there was a noble family, prosperous and powerful. They adopted many orphans from the Slave Arena, taught them martial arts, and fed them—showering them with kindness. Yet, their eldest daughter was framed by a few physicians and branded as unfaithful and unchaste.”

“On the birthday of one of those orphans, the family was raided, its members exiled. That gentle, virtuous eldest daughter died right before the orphan’s eyes.”

He spoke leisurely, pinching her earlobe. “Tell me, shouldn’t the orphan they raised seek vengeance for them?”

Mingyi froze, her heart stirring.

So this was what he had been through?

If it were her, she’d want revenge too. But killing under the nose of the Da Si was truly audacious.

Her trembling subsided as she looked up at him, sympathy in her gaze. “My lord… has no parents?”

Ji Bozhai lowered his eyes pitifully. “I was born in the Slave Arena.”The Slave Arena was no good place, with overseers whipping daily and heavy labor to endure.

Mingyi felt somewhat guilty.

If not for her, he wouldn't have ended up like this.