Who Is More Beautiful, Me or That Eunuch?

This story is also known as The Domineering Prince and His Charming Widower.

Ji Zeyu has two husbands in his life.

The first is a powerful eunuch, but he dies young, passing away suddenly before they can even settle on a title for their relationship.

The second is the current dynasty’s illustrious Prince Xunyou. He gave Ji Zeyu his big break, but he doesn’t love him.

After entering the household, Ji Zeyu holds the position of secondary consort. By day, he continues going to court as the Minister of Rites. At night, he serves as the prince’s adviser, offering strategies and counsel. Before bed, he still has to hear reports from the steward about the household’s affairs. He works diligently day after day, never daring to slack off.

It was early summer, and the days were growing hotter.

One night, he forgot to ask someone to bring ice before going to sleep. He woke in the middle of the night, hot and groggy, and got up to open the window. There, by the window, stood a dark figure whose shape looked a little like his late first husband.

Ji Zeyu’s heart gave a jolt. He called softly, "Yanzhu, have you come back?"

The shadow said nothing. It merely reached out and gently stroked his cheek, then vanished on the spot.

From that day on, he saw the shadow by his window every night.

Ji Zeyu would lean against the window and whisper all sorts of things to "Yanzhu." "Yanzhu" always stayed quiet, never said a word, and rarely interacted with him.

Ji Zeyu felt a little sad about this. But when he thought about how the living and the dead belonged to different worlds, he realized that simply getting to see Yanzhu again was already a blessing, and his spirits lifted.

After "Yanzhu" appeared, all sorts of things began to change around Ji Zeyu.

He discovered that whenever he complained to "Yanzhu" the night before, or mentioned wanting something, whatever had been troubling him would be resolved the next day, and the things he wanted would be delivered to the little pavilion.

Even the exquisite jade paperweight from the tribute offerings was brought to him.

But... how could a wandering ghost have such powers?

Ji Zeyu began to grow suspicious.

Was the shadow really his first husband?

Clearly not.

Under the moonlight, the man Ji Zeyu had trapped with his scheme presses his lips tightly together, lowering his head in silence and not daring to look at him.

"Your Highness," Ji Zeyu recognizes him and asks in surprise, "why would you..."

The handsome face of Prince Xunyou is half-hidden in the darkness. His voice is low. "Does my shadow resemble his?"

Ji Zeyu hesitates, then tells the truth. "It does."

"Then, if I took his place and stayed with you, could you love me?"

"..." Ji Zeyu is dumbfounded.

-

Gong Youzhi is willing to be the substitute for someone he hates, just so the person he loves might give him a little affection.

But later, he still can’t help pestering his beloved with question after question. "Which of us is more handsome, me or that eunuch?"

"So who’s more handsome?"

"Who do you love more now?"

-

1. Shou POV, happy ending, one-on-one, both have only had sex with each other.

2. The gong changes. The eunuch gong at the start dies immediately and will not come back to life.

3. Regular daily updates. I’ll let you know ahead of time if anything comes up and I need to take a break.

4. Have fun reading!!!

(Blurb screenshot saved as proof on June 23, 2024)

Theme: Substance matters more than appearances