Chapter 87 - He Could Picture It (1/2)

Qiang Wei examined his king for any changes. Lao Chun had promised that one flask of this wine would get even their king dead drunk. In fact, he had been positive that it wouldn't even need one flask. Half of it might suffice.

Seeing the king down the first cup in one go Qiang Wei grew hopeful. Maybe he'll collapse right after the first cup? That would save him a lot of trouble! Unfortunately, nothing could be gleaned. The king didn't even seem dizzy. He just happily filled his cup again and downed it just the same.

Qiang Wei's lips twitched. So that was the effect of the rumored strongest wine that could fell their king after one flask? Why did it seem nothing like that? Could it be the effect was delayed?

”Your Ma—” Qiang Wei coughed again. ”Maybe you should slow down.”

Qiu Ling regarded him with a deadpan expression and filled his cup for the third time. Slowing down? Never! The only way to stop him was to make him forget that sight.

Qiu Ling gulped his third cup down. The wine's strong flavor was lost on him. He could have been drinking water instead and wouldn't have noticed the difference. He was only waiting for his mind to get addled. He didn't want to think anymore.

Please, just let me forget that.

He frowned and refilled his cup a fourth time. The alcohol started to set in slowly. A warm sensation filled his body, but deep inside he still felt incredibly cold. And he couldn't stop his thoughts from wandering.

I might lose him. I might really lose him. He can't remember me so it's not surprising if he falls in love. Moreover, he's a child now. Falling in love with another child is normal. How could he even fall in love with a grown man?

Another cup was downed.

If he really falls in love with that boy and his family stays in the capital than the two of them will grow up together. With each day, with each passing year, their feelings will get stronger. They'd be inseparable when they come of age. What would prevent them from marrying? And even before that …

His mind conjured up the image of Jing He with another man. He saw him smiling at that man, haltingly reach out and touch him. Faced with that gentle approach, would any man refuse? Of course not!

Qiu Ling didn't even look and blindly filled the cup, gulping the wine down before he had even time to put down the flask. His face was completely scrunched up. He looked miserable.

Qiang Wei examined his face, still holding his own cup. He hadn't touched any of the wine. He knew he couldn't. Just looking at his king made obvious that he wouldn't stop any time soon.

Qiang Wei sighed and looked around. It had been a week in the nine heavens so the crown prince should be around seven years of age now. There were indeed two boys that age. They were sitting at the counter, looking quite intimate. Just at this moment, the slightly taller one was breaking a cookie in two, sharing with the other child.

So, it's like this. The crown prince fell in love for the first time in his mortal life. No wonder the king is like that.

Qiang Wei put down his cup and turned back to Qiu Ling. Talking wouldn't help. He could just watch over him while his king got drunk.

He wasn't the only one who worried. Madam Zhong came over and bent down next to him. ”Is he alright?”