Seeing Liu Zhenqing’s unhappy expression, Huo Fenglie said: “We will find out later when we meet the Huo family elders.”

Liu Zhenqing nodded. They had discussed it before. There was a Huo family villa here, so naturally, there were veterans of the Huo family staying here to take care of the villa and themselves.

Since their whereabouts could not be exposed, it was convenient to stay at the Huo family villa and have people come out to exchange information with them.

And it was also necessary to have these sorts of eyes and ears, because once news spread about He Lan and Qin Yu sneaking in, the first thing they would inevitably think of was the Huo family courtyard.

The two went to the busiest teahouse in the city and found the most remote seat. After Huo Fenglie provided refreshments for Liu Zhenqing, he left alone, then returned soon after finding someone to deliver a message. 

“So fast?” Liu Zhenqing said in surprise: “You’ve gone around in a circle.”

“I found a beggar to deliver a message,” Huo Fenglie said concisely.

Liu Zhenqing was dressed like a scholar, but he leaned toward the upright Huo Fenglie and looked up, the tips of his eyes raised. “Why? Don’t you trust me? Have the enemies not all been thrown off?”

As he spoke, his legs were restless under the table, swinging to gently hit Huo Fenglie’s knee.

Huo Fenglie gave Liu Zhenqing a helpless look and moved his legs, pouring tea for him. “Since the ship originated here, there must be spies around. It is better to take caution.”

“Ai, I can’t be a drag on you with my martial arts skills,” Liu Zhenqing said with feigned sadness.

Huo Fenglie should clearly know that Liu Zhenqing was joking, but he still said at once: “You are not. Thanking Qing-ge for his analysis along the way.”

Liu Zhenqing frowned and said: “You’re clearly giving me the cold shoulder.”

Huo Fenglie was immediately startled, and said: “I’m not.”

Liu Zhenqing complained with an aggrieved look, “Then why are you moving your legs away?”

Suddenly feeling powerless, Huo Fenglie could only move his legs back silently, allowing Liu Zhenqing to give him light, random touches and even rub against him.

It seemed he was teasing him deliberately. Huo Fenglie could only avert his eyes to hide the traces of confusion.

The storyteller on the high platform was eloquent as he spoke of General Huo’s past battles. This was a storyteller’s favorite content, and many of them added a few lines about the treacherous minister Liu. Nearly every town had similar storytelling content. Although it was old news, the people in the audience still listened with gusto and cheered, not knowing that in the corner, the hero being spoken of, the general who guarded the country, was uneasily enduring the meticulous torture of Prime Minister Liu.

Before long, Huo Fenglie said: “Here he comes.”

Liu Zhenqing followed Huo Fenglie’s gaze and saw a familiar-looking uncle standing at the door. A pair of tiger eyes honed on the battlefield shot back and forth between the teahouse seats. They were peerless, neither arrogant nor impetuous, but would not miss any target. 

When he looked where they were, his whole body trembled and his knees slightly bent, as if he wanted to kneel down and salute on the spot from a distance of more than ten meters.

However, the uncle also had a sense of proportion. After a moment of shock, he hastily lowered his head and walked over quickly, without attracting the attention of others.

It was not until he reached a position concealed by a screen that he went to one knee and saluted. “Veteran Ding Wu greets the general.”

“Uncle Ding, there is no need to salute when you see me.” Huo Fenglie raised his hand and a strong gust of wind formed a support, allowing Uncle Ding to stand up.

Uncle Ding smiled forthrightly and said: “General, although I have already retired, I still take pride in being part of the Huo Family Army. Saluting the general is what I like to do most. I usually don’t have the chance, and can only dream about it. Now that I’ve seen you, I can’t help but…..aiya, Uncle Ding talks too much.”

Those who retired from the Huo Family Army due to old age likely all had this mindset. Uncle Ding was just one of them.

Hearing his name and seeing that he seemed to be lame in one leg, Liu Zhenqing remembered who he was.

Uncle Ding was once a guard with Huo Fenglie’s father. Later, in order to save the old general, he was injured and had to retire. Thus, he was placed in a separate courtyard for retirement. But looking at his majestic, tiger-like appearance, he probably still had the battlefield spirit to rush into battle if given a blade.

Liu Zhenqing naturally knew him because he had stayed in the courtyard when he first went south.

Huo Fenglie was not the sort of person who could exchange small talk with others, so no matter how the people who met him usually behaved, they were the ones who talked the most.

Uncle Ding extended his greetings for a moment, then looked at Liu Zhenqing. “This is…..”

Liu Zhenqing gave a faint smile. He originally seemed completely harmless on the outside, and his smile was naturally pleasing to the eye. “Hello, Uncle Ding. This one is Liu Xiaozhu. I’m…..”

“Liu?” Uncle Ding’s expression instantly changed, and he regarded him with alert defensiveness.

Liu Zhenqing immediately became awkward and quieted down. Yes, this was how a person from the Huo family should react.

“Uncle Ding, he is my friend. He is working with me at this time.” Huo Fenglie said with a calm expression: “Uncle Ding, please take a seat.”

Uncle Ding hesitated obviously for a long moment with his gaze on Liu Zhenqing’s face, but in the end, he still had a military soul and believed whatever the general said.

“Hello, Young Master Liu. I offended you just now.”

“It’s nothing, it’s nothing. Uncle Ding, sit down quickly,” Liu Zhenqing said politely.

When he saw how easy Liu Zhenqing was to talk to, his attitude softened slightly. He sat down and said in a low voice: “General, I heard that you appeared in two prefectures to handle cases. Why did you suddenly come here and use a code to lure me out?”

“I am working on the emperor’s behalf, so there is no need to ask about the rest. You only need to remember two things. First, our whereabouts are confidential and cannot be disclosed to anyone. Second, if someone sends a message to the courtyard, deliver it to the inn next door.”

Huo Fenglie’s tone was strict and serious. Uncle Ding immediately understood his meaning and accepted the military order.

“Uncle Ding, we only just arrived and are unaware of the situation here. Can you explain it in detail?” Liu Zhenqing asked.

Uncle Ding nodded and said: “What do the general and Young Master Liu wish to hear? The situation here has indeed been somewhat uneasy recently. Not to mention the persistent problem of the pirates who pop up frequently, the handover of naval and military power here has also been full of conflict lately.”

“Let’s talk about the issue of military power,” Liu Zhenqing said promptly.

Uncle Ding did his best to tell all he knew. “The conflict here actually started more than ten years ago. At that time, there were not 30,000 troops here. The Song family had controlled the local garrison for generations, but it was only a land force of 5,000 troops, so it was difficult to stabilize the seas. Back then, the pirate problem was much more serious than it is now. Not to mention the nearby islands, even the people along the coast had no peace, let alone maritime trade. Until the emperor’s southern tour…..”

As Uncle Ding was talking, the cheers outside suddenly grew louder, interrupting his words. The emotional storyteller was talking about something wonderful.

The content was similar to what Uncle Ding intended to say, so he stopped.

The storyteller could be heard saying excitedly: “The emperor was young at that time. It is said that he was on a southern tour, but in fact, it was the treacherous minister Liu Zhenqing who wanted to go south for an inspection in order to show off his power. Everyone, what do you think his real intention was for going south?”

The audience below was very cooperative. Some shouted that it was to attack the pirates, while others shouted that it was to eliminate dissidents. Then someone called out that it was to arrange an assassination. The hall fell quiet, and then fierce noise broke out.

Huo Fenglie had just gone to the northern battlefield at that point, traveling northwest with his brother. He had not heard about the specific situation with the southern tour.

Huo Fenglie glanced sideways at Liu Zhenqing, only to see that he was in a daze. The leg hitting him had paused.

The storyteller said: “You are all intelligent people, and have reached the same conclusions, but fighting against the pirates and eliminating dissidents are both lies. Abusing power for personal gain is the truth. Back then, an assassination took place in a coastal port not far from here. The emperor was even injured, but the treacherous minister Liu was fine. If it weren’t for Liu Zhenqing being exposed after his death when someone reported it, no one would have known that he arranged all of this. Not only did he threaten the emperor, but he also used this as an excuse to kill batch after batch of people who usually opposed him. He even put the blame on one of the rebel princes, using this as an excuse to continue to refuse the requests of the rebel princes to leave the capital. This led to the subsequent chaos of the Three Kings Rebellion. I will not go into detail here. I will only say that after this assassination incident, with the stroke of a pen, Prime Minister Liu told the emperor to grant the Song family 30,000 troops in order to establish a naval army. His reasoning was that the assassins may have been pirates colluding with the rebels, therefore the pirates who harmed others must also be punished.”

Someone below asked: “It seems that there was indeed a wave of great purges, and many pirates died. As a result, no pirates have dared to approach this place for a while.”

As soon as these words came out, everyone immediately objected. “There were more pirates later. It completely backfired.”

“It was purely for his own benefit, regardless of the consequences.”

The storyteller scoffed coldly: “Nobody was deceived by that kind of superficiality. In fact, this was an attempt by Prime Minister Liu to defy the military power of the Huo family by developing the Song family into his own military power. In order to prevent the veteran generals from being difficult to use, the youngest Captain Song was selected to take charge just after the military power was handed over. Prime Minister Liu thought he could take advantage of this to control the 30,000 troops, but unexpectedly, Captain Song did not welcome him, a treacherous official who played with power. Therefore, everything he did was not for us ordinary people at all. Even in the face of personal gain and power, his disobedience could be heard even in the southernmost parts of the Zhou Dynasty.”

Everyone echoed: “A rebel and a traitor, ah!I”

“As expected of the Sea King, he was able to withstand the pressure of the treacherous minister at a young age.”

Uncle Ding had sneered when he heard “Defy the Huo family’s military power.”

Huo Fenglie frowned and didn’t want to listen anymore. He looked at Liu Zhenqing and saw that his eyes were growing duller.

Since he didn’t know how to coax people, Huo Fenglie could only take the initiative to bump him gently with his leg. Hadn’t Qing-ge been having a lot of fun just now? He would just take the initiative to cooperate.

Sure enough, when he gave him a light nudge, Liu Zhenqing’s eyes instantly regained their brightness and he looked at Huo Fenglie with surprise.

Huo Fenglie lowered his head to drink tea, hiding his embarrassment. His leg only bumped slightly, as if drawing the other side to bump him back.

Liu Zhenqing couldn’t dwell on the upsetting things in the past. He couldn’t hear the insults and scoldings from the entire surprise. His mind was full of pleasant surprise.

Could it be that Er-gou had finally grown up and knew how to flirt with him? This seductive little thing.

Just as Liu Zhenqing pursed his lips and went to play along, he heard the storyteller above say in an extremely mocking tone: “At that time, the treacherous minister and Captain Song worked together as they went to eliminate the pirates, and he had impure intentions toward Captain Song. It was said that he learned that Captain Song did not discriminate between men and women, and also planned to send himself to his door to seek power, but was ultimately rejected. That is to say, even if Liu Zhenqing was beautiful enough to cause the downfall of cities and countries, our Captain Song remained unmoved!”

These words instantly aroused everyone’s excitement. It was as if they had glimpsed some gossip, and they exclaimed one after another.

“That wasn’t the first time the treacherous minister did such a thing. It is simply a disgrace to decency.”

“Although our Captain Song is usually self-indulgent and has countless attractive male and female confidants, at the critical moment, he was still not enchanted by beauty. Even had Liu Zhenqing stripped naked and stood in front of Song Xingmu, I dare to say that our Sea King would not take a glance.”

These words were to humiliate him.

The corners of Liu Zhenqing’s mouth twitched involuntarily. While he was speechless, he felt the leg that was gently nudging against him stop. Liu Zhenqing looked at Huo Fenglie and saw that his face was composed, with faint hints of anger. The murderous aura released seemed to have a physical form, and even Uncle Ding on the side could feel it. Almost all the hairs on his body stood on end.

Just as he felt uneasy all over because of this murderous aura, it vanished instantly.

Uncle Ding stared at Huo Fenglie in confusion and saw that his general appeared stiff, with his head lowered. His eyelashes trembled, and a large patch of faint red started from his neck and spread upwards.

Uncomprehending, he watched as Young Master Liu leaned forward and whispered to the general. Uncle Ding understood the current affairs and looked to the side, not eavesdropping, nor thinking much about the general’s strange behavior. Little did he know that the “shameless person” sitting opposite no longer used his legs to torment the general, but directly put his hand on Huo Fenglie’s thigh.

Then he took advantage of the situation to lean forward and speak, which not only made Huo Fenglie unable to sit still out of nervousness, but also prevented him from avoiding him. 

It seemed that it was Huo Fenglie himself who had ulterior motives, and Liu Zhenqing had pressed him accidentally when he came to talk.

“What the storyteller said is nonsense,” Liu Zhenqing said softly.

“En…..en, I know,” Huo Fenglie said stiffly.

Liu Zhenqing’s lips curved as he looked at Huo Fenglie’s gradually reddening earlobe. He had an inexplicable urge to bite it, but did not. He only leaned closer and whispered, making his breath blow on it, and watched it gradually turn a charming and tender red.

Liu Zhenqing smiled and said mischievously: “It is true that Captain Song did not discriminate between men and women, we worked together, and I indeed gave him impure looks.”

Huo Fenglie was stunned, and couldn’t help but look askance at Liu Zhenqing, his face turning livid by degrees.

Liu Zhenqing continued: “But they were definitely wrong when they said that if I took off my clothes and stood in front of Song Xingmu, he wouldn’t even look at me. I took them off, ah, and he couldn’t stop staring at me.”

Huo Fenglie’s pupils instantly shrank. Because he had only met Song Xingmu a few times as a child, it was impossible to distinguish Liu Zhenqing’s words at this time.

There was only the sound of a crack as the teacup in Huo Fenglie’s cup shattered. Uncle Ding was so startled that he turned around. Seeing the two of them so close, he immediately felt it was strange.

Huo Fenglie appeared uncontrollably sullen.

Liu Zhenqing glanced at the broken teacup and chuckled: “He also pointed to me and said, what beauty that can cause the downfall of cities and countries? He is even better looking than me.”

Huo Fenglie stood in amazement when these words came out.

Liu Zhenqing feigned sincerity as he said: “I’m speaking the truth. Your older brother was there at the time. The three of us bathed together, and he insisted on asking your brother to say which of us was the most handsome. Your brother pointed at me, and he was so angry that he went back to ask your sister-in-law, but she was petty about it.”

Huo Fenglie stared blankly as he thought of the Song Xingmu in his memory. It seemed…..it seemed that he was androgynous, but did belong to the category of an attractive man. His personality and behavior were also relatively frivolous.

Seeing that Huo Fenglie was stunned, Liu Zhenqing couldn’t hold back his smile. He felt that every time he was about to be stung by these worldly people, as long as Huo Fenglie was by his side, he always found a way to cheer him up. Even though…..it was all through bullying him. But Liu Zhenqing didn’t feel guilty at all.

“Back then, we were together for a month as we made plans to retaliate against the pirates. He was angry with me because he hated what I did at that time. He was a good brother to me and your older brother.” When Liu Zhenqing concluded, Huo Fenglie’s heart settled.

Huo Fenglie’s expression softened slightly. Although he still had many questions, he didn’t ask any further. He just coughed and pretended to be calm, reaching out to gently push away the hand still pressed to his leg and make Liu Zhenqing sit back.

“En, I understand.”

Seeing that the two of them seemed to have finished talking, Uncle Ding said: “Both of you heard what the storyteller said. That is basically all of it. Only, a lot of things were settled after the man’s death, and the military power here was in some disarray. Soon, the emperor issued an order shortly after he took office. Song Xingmu was transferred, and the military power was taken up by his uncle, Song Jing.”

“Isn’t it said that Song Xingmu and Liu Zhenqing had a bad relationship? That won him the hearts of the people, so why transfer him?”

Even Yuan Jue didn’t know of his relationship with Song Xingmu. This was what Liu Zhenqing was most confused about.

“It is said that he left his post without authorization, and his negligence led to a sneak attack by pirates along the coast, which caused heavy losses. It was a slap in the face of the new emperor who had just taken the throne, and an offense to the Great Zhou Dynasty. Someone complained to higher authorities, and the emperor issued the decree to punish him. No one from the Song family spoke up for him, so he was sent away.”

Liu Zhenqing was confounded when he heard this. Although the man was a bit careless, he still had a sense of responsibility and would never be so negligent. There might be some hidden facts in this. After all, it was a time of turmoil, and the remnants of the Three Kings were still on the run. In addition, the rebels now originated here, so Liu Zhenqing couldn’t help but think a little more.

“And after that?” Huo Fenglie asked.

“Afterwards, he trained troops in the southern islands and led them to attack nearby rogue bandits from time to time. When he became famous, the people gave him the nickname ‘Sea King.’ Thus, the emperor transferred him back again, but when he came to take over the military power this time, it did not go smoothly. His father had passed away, and his relationship with his uncle was average. In the end, it was tantamount to seizing military power. The emperor had really handed him a problem. Although he was promoted, the family was uneasy about it, ah,” Uncle Ding said.

Liu Zhenqing knew well that Song Jing might not dare to have resentment toward the emperor, but he would definitely not spare a good look toward his nephew. But Song Xingmu was a free-spirited person, and probably didn’t care.

It was just that Yuan Jue’s arrangement felt a little out of place. What was his intention? To suppress the Song family? Let it fight internally and inhibit its development? Or was it something else?

Liu Zhenqing had too little information to figure out Yuan Jue’s plans. He had an inexplicable feeling.

It was no coincidence that they had followed the clues and tracked them down to Song Xingmu’s territory.

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Chapter Seventy-Three << Table of Contents >> Chapter Seventy-Five

T/N: Thanks so much to Ana for the Kofi donation! Here’s a double update! (Plus an extra since I haven’t updated in so long)

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Liu Zhenqing stopped teasing Er-gou and let him off the hook, feeling soft-hearted.

After Huo Fenglie fell asleep, Liu Zhenqing went to find his master to discuss follow-up treatment.

“At least ten days.”

“That won’t work.” Liu Zhenqing shook his head, saying, “We have other things to do.”

His master just glared and began to pull his ear. “Are you not able to learn? Do you want to make the same mistakes again?”

“Aiya, I’m not, la. How can this be considered making the same mistakes? I’m currently hiding behind everyone, and nobody can hurt me no matter what.” Liu Zhenqing quickly covered his ears and put distance between them.

His master naturally looked at Liu Zhenqing in disbelief.

Liu Zhenqing knew that he had no credibility in the eyes of his master, and could only say: “Ai, we have friends who took action first, and we can’t leave them alone. Plus, I’m only putting in a small effort this time, not to mention that Er-gou is following to protect me.”

With a wave of his hand, Liu Zhenqing said: “And although I want Er-gou to recover from his injuries, he can’t stay here forever. With the temperament of the Huo family, he won’t be able to bear it. Therefore, isn’t it up to Master to find a way to speed up the treatment?” After some thought, Liu Zhenqing said, “Of course, the first priority is Er-gou’s health.”

When he heard the last sentence, his master’s complexion finally improved a bit, and he also noticed that Liu Zhenqing’s state of mind was different from that in his past life. Now, in his heart, the people around him were more important than the common people.

At last, after Liu Zhenqing’s hard work, he came up with a solution. In fact, the follow-up was these auxiliary treatments. Since Liu Zhenqing could handle them like he did today, Huo Fenglie could work and recuperate at the same time.

In addition to acupuncture, subsequent medication could be changed to medicated baths once every few days. After the treatment was over, they would rush to Medicine Valley as soon as possible for the second stage of treatment.

Liu Zhenqing and Huo Fenglie repeatedly confirmed with him that he had no problems using his internal force now, and his master instructed that he couldn’t go crazy again before his treatment was complete.

Hearing his master’s emphasis, Liu Zhenqing also engraved all of these precautions into his heart. Once again, he tried his utmost to learn all the medical skills related to Huo Fenglie’s condition from his master. Although his master taught him seriously, he never looked down upon him. 

His master probably had doubts about whether he failed to learn medical skills out of laziness or because he truly had no talent.

He planned to remain here temporarily and let Huo Fenglie receive treatment from his master. However, they soon received news.

After He Lan and Qin Yu snuck in, Yue Xuqian had asked his people to notify the informants along the river to at the minimum pay attention to where the ship ended up.

The news that came this morning was that the ship had entered the shipping area at a port in Ming’an County.

Liu Zhenqing and Huo Fenglie were both slightly taken aback when they heard the name of the place.

Because the Huo family’s hometown was in the county next to Ming’an, every time they returned to their hometown to pay homage to their ancestors and visit relatives, they would inevitably pass through Ming’an County. The Huo family also had its own villa there, and Liu Zhenqing had lived there for a long time.

As a coastal area, Ming’an County also had the best port resources, so it was naturally a more prosperous area in the south. There were many ships coming and going, so it was easy for people to fish in troubled waters. Now that the ship had been brought to the sea, apart from waiting for He Lan and Qin Yu to return with news, they could only go to the local Liu Family Chamber of Commerce to investigate the problem with the shipping.

The two of them said their farewells to Yue Xuqian and the Master, setting off again without further delay.

Just halfway through the trip, they passed through a town to stay for the night. But when they were eating, something happened. 

Someone accidentally knocked over their dining table, and when the waiter was about to re-serve the food, Liu Zhenqing changed his mind and wanted to go back to the room to eat. Having said this, he took Huo Fenglie back to the room.

The food was served soon after, and Liu Zhenqing sat down with Huo Fenglie to eat. After a while, they two passed out at the table. At this time, a man in black broke into the room. Seeing that the two were unconscious, he raised a blade and slashed at their throats. 

But in the next second, a cold light flashed. Just as Liu Zhenqing sat up and stretched, four people had fallen in the room, and the fifth one was paralyzed on the ground with the Chunjun sword to his throat.

“You moved so slowly that my waist and back hurt.” Liu Zhenqing looked at the assassin peevishly and asked, “Do you want to die?”

The assassin scoffed coldly, and in the next second, he fell back.

“They are assassins, and won’t have any useful information. As annoying and worthless as flies.”

“Let’s go.”

Huo Fenglie shook the blood from his sword and took Liu Zhenqing elsewhere to rest in secret. Because the food had been wasted, Huo Fenglie went around to the kitchen and brought some roast chicken to fill Liu Zhenqing’s stomach.

Once the candles were lit in the new room, Liu Zhenqing read the note in his hand again while chewing on a chicken leg. It had been left by the person who overturned their dining table, taking advantage of the chaos. The person had left in the mix of people without showing his face. It warned of poisoning and assassins.

“This is the second time.” Liu Zhenqing said in a deep voice: “Those who wish to assassinate us must want to prevent us from investigating the rebels, and the one helping us must oppose them. And every time, they are one step ahead, warning us. There is clearly a traitor among the rebel forces, ah.”

Huo Fenglie glanced at Liu Zhenqing’s intrigued expression and said: “Then why doesn’t this person meet us and tell us directly? Or discuss cooperation.”

“That proves that they are not the emperor’s person, because you represent the emperor, and they do not want to cooperate with you. There are only two reasons why they would spare your life.”

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend?”

“Right, and the other reason is that, after all, you are the general who guards the country. Unless they were truly insane, who would want you to die? Wouldn’t that just throw Great Zhou into chaos?” Liu Zhenqing said with a smile.

Huo Fenglie couldn’t bear the teasing, and shook his head: “Without me, someone else would lead the army.”

“Then if one day you are no longer allowed to lead troops to fight, do you want to retire and live in seclusion?” Liu Zhenqing asked suddenly.

Huo Fenglie was startled for a moment, and turned to look at Liu Zhenqing.

The light and shadows of the candle flickered gently between the two of them, and Liu Zhenqing had a rare look of nervousness on his face.

Huo Fenglie said slowly: “I am not a qualified Huo family member.”

Liu Zhenqing momentarily froze and looked at Huo Fenglie in confusion. 

Huo Fenglie looked at Liu Zhenqing silently and said nothing.

The Huo family attached great importance to Great Zhou and the Yuan clan. He had been educated by the Huo family since he became sensible. He was obedient and teachable, but deep down in his heart, he was as stubborn as stone, and that major part of him was never influenced.

Even on his birthday, when he was young and didn’t know how to hide his thoughts, his elder brother and sister-in-law gave him gifts and asked him what he wanted to do in the future, because he had just been told by an Imperial Academy master to continue his studies.

He answered directly: “I want to practice the most advanced martial arts. I want to be a bodyguard.”

His brother thought he wanted to be an armed guard to protect the emperor, so he didn’t say much.

But his sister-in-law smiled and asked him why. Before he could answer, Liu Zhenqing finally came over, somewhat in disarray and muttering under his breath.

His brother quickly stepped forward to inspect him.

His sister-in-law asked: “You were called to attend a birthday party, did you get into trouble by provoking someone again halfway?”

“How could I have, it’s clearly……” Liu Zhenqing wiped his face and complained: “Sure enough, it’s not safe if the boss isn’t by my side. From now on, I should listen to Grandpa and arrange for a personal bodyguard.”

His brother didn’t respond, but his sister-in-law was taken aback when he heard this and turned to look at Huo Fenglie, who was quietly cleaning the stains on Liu Zhenqing’s hands.

“Indeed, you cause trouble too easily and don’t know martial arts. If you have a bodyguard to protect you, then no matter what you do in the future, the guard can handle it for you.”

Liu Zhenqing nodded in agreement, planning to choose a bodyguard in the future.

Sister-in-law poked the side of Huo Fenglie’s head and said out of nowhere: “You are really promising.”

Huo Fenglie touched his head without much of a reaction. At that time, he didn’t know what this feeling was called, and only knew that Liu Zhenqing needed a guard. Therefore, he wanted to be a guard, and didn’t want Qing-ge to be harmed in any way.

But later, he understood that what Qing-ge needed was not a guard, but someone who could help him stabilize Great Zhou.

So he forced himself to grow into such a person quickly, but still lost Qing-ge.

Liu Zhenqing had never thought about competing against the loyal soul of the Huo family, so he did not continue to ask. He had already prepared himself , and if Huo Fenglie said he wanted to be stationed at the border, he would try all the western-style fish.

Ai? Wait, when had he decided on that? No, no, he hadn’t thought about it!

How terrible!

Liu Zhenqing glared at Huo Fenglie with dissatisfaction for a moment, and then vented his anger: “Come on, take off your clothes, it’s time for treatment.”

Huo Fenglie immediately trembled. After the two of them hit the road, the most painful thing every day was the treatment process. He could drive this person out for the medicinal baths, but could not completely avoid the acupuncture.

He was familiar with those acupuncture points, and it was no exaggeration to say that he could pierce himself quickly and accurately.

But Qing-ge…..

Huo Fenglie could only tighten his nerves to avoid the dilemma of almost being discovered by Qing-ge last time.

Liu Zhenqing looked at the healthy wheat-colored skin under the candlelight and raised his hand with a smile on his face. Recently, he felt that the more he touched it, the more addicted he became. Firm and elastic, with smooth contours. He could feel the strength contained beneath the skin, and his hormones released invisibly.

Especially when he pretended to accidentally bump into two rosy spots, Er-gou’s reactions became more and more interesting. There was also the Shen Que point, which was a sensitive spot discovered by Liu Zhenqing. Every time he touched it, those firm abs would tremble slightly, which looked particularly sexy.

Liu Zhenqing suddenly stretched out his finger and pressed that point. Huo Fenglie instantly sucked in a cold breath of air and grabbed Liu Zhenqing’s hand at once. “Qing-ge!”

Liu Zhenqing looked up with an innocent expression and said: “Can’t I play for a while?”

Huo Fenglie choked. How could he be so bold and confdent?!

The word “no” lingered in Huo Fenglie’s mouth, but looking at Liu Zhenqing’s sincere face, it seemed like he would be petty by refusing. He could only inwardly suppress the urges caused by such teasing.

After he finally survived the treatment, Liu Zhenqing climbed onto the bed and began to take off his clothes.

Huo Fenglie’s expression stiffened. The fire in him had not completely subsided.

“Are you going to watch what I’m doing or go to sleep?” Liu Zhenqing said: “You don’t want me to sleep separately in this situation, right? If another assassin comes, I would just…..”

Liu Zhenqing made a slashing gesture across his neck, which instantly left Huo Fenglie speechless, and he could only lie down straight.

After lying down, Huo Fenglie quickly took his pillow and gave it to Liu Zhenqing.

Watching Huo Fenglie’s silent behavior, Liu Zhenqing raised his eyebrows and took it with a smile. “So attentive.”

Huo Fenglie felt that behind Liu Zhenqing’s teasing, his smile held murderous intent.

Sure enough, halfway through the night, Huo Fenglie suddenly opened his eyes when he felt his body being entangled. The pillow that Liu Zhenqing was supposed to be holding had long been thrown to his feet, and now he had become Liu Zhenqing’s pillow.

Huo Fenglie went blue in the face, because a certain person’s legs were not only bent up, but they also climbed higher from time to time. A hand stretched around him, into the skirt of his robes.

Gritting his teeth, Huo Fenglie tried to get up and retrieve the pillow to save himself.

The result of this was that when he moved, Liu Zhenqing practically climbed up to embrace Huo Fenglie. He drew close to Huo Fenglie’s neck with a hum, sounding hungry, as if he hadn’t eaten enough that night and was dreaming of food. Then he took a bite, showing no mercy.

Huo Fenglie naturally didn’t feel the pain, and only felt that everything was upended by that sensation.

He turned his head and tried to move his neck, but Liu Zhenqing just held the meat in his mouth and refused to move.

When he finally let go, he was restless for a moment, still wanting to lick away the delicious food.

Such torment caused Huo Fenglie’s bones to tremble slightly, and his qi and blood instantly concentrated at a certain place.

Huo Fenglie’s eyes darkened. Nearly losing control, he swiftly turned his head to look at the person holding him to do evil, and his arms unconsciously hugged him tightly. At the moment, Liu Zhenqing was lying on his shoulder, head tilted toward him slightly. A pair of red lips were so delicate and tender. Defenseless, ready to be plucked. It seemed that as long as he lowered his head, lowered his head…..

Moreover, Liu Zhenqing hadn’t even woken up when he made such a big movement. Didn’t this prove that no matter what he did, Liu Zhenqing wouldn’t find out?

Huo Fenglie slowly opened his mouth and moved closer to Liu Zhenqing, as if he wanted to kiss or devour him.

But in the next second, Huo Fenglie froze. He broke away from Liu Zhenqing’s arms at an almost twisted angle with great speed. He picked up the pillow and put it back, then his figure flashed behind the screen in the room.

And Liu Zhenqing opened his eyes slightly where he lay on the bed, a look of dissatisfaction on his face after failing a challenge. Moving his body, he looked outside the bed. The moonlight shone into the room and illuminated a silhouette on the screen.

He could see the man leaning against the screen awkwardly, but didn’t know what he was doing.

But soon, low breathing sketched a certain picture, and Liu Zhenqing raised his eyebrows. Progress, ah, let’s see how long Er-gou can endure it.

Satisfied, he turned over to go back to sleep, but the sound of breathing was like a whisper everywhere. Liu Zhenqing’s face gradually turned red with embarrassment, and he quickly covered himself with the quilt. If he continued to listen, he might also…..cough, cough, cough.

It was all Er-gou’s fault! Unpromising!

A night of enchanting dreams caused Liu Zhenqing’s entire person to feel unwell when he awoke. And Huo Fenglie, as if nothing was wrong, calmly arranged everything for them to continue on their way.

But with this kind of calmness, Liu Zhenqing asked to sleep on the same bed every night.

Assassins were pursuing them, after all. There was nothing that could be done.

However, Liu Zhenqing discovered that when Huo Fenglie encountered one of their pursuers, he would be extremely ruthless, as if venting his resentment.

And there was a person warning them from time to time along the way.

Of course, Liu Zhenqing and Huo Fenglie would not actually let others lead them by the nose. A planned detour successfully got rid of the two groups, and they finally arrived in Ming-an County.

“There are still 30,000 Eastern Navy troops stationed here?” Liu Zhenqing asked as they sat in a carriage into the city and looked at the bustling streets.

Huo Fenglie nodded.

Liu Zhenqing leaned against the carriage window and chuckled: “This is probably one of the few reforms I arranged that haven’t been overturned.”

“To keep the waters safe, your idea is quite right. There must be a strong army to deter pirates.”

Liu Zhenqing said: “It wasn’t my idea. It was something I thought of with your brother and that person back then, and was only implemented after I took power.”

“Are you talking about the Sea King, Song Xingmu? I remember that you became acquainted with him when you first went south with our family?” Huo Fenglie asked.

“Pfft, Sea King…..who gave him this title? There shouldn’t be any kings of a different surname in the Great Zhou Dynasty. It’s too inappropriate.” Liu Zhenqing couldn’t help but laugh.

Huo Fenglie explained: “The populace gave it to him. In the past year, he swept clean the southeastern sea area and made great achievements. The emperor transferred him back from the south, and he regained control of the 30,000 strong army here.” 

Liu Zhenqing stood in amazement when he heard this. “What? Song Xingmu was originally a young general here. I directly gave him military power back then. What do you mean by ‘regained control?’”

Shaking his head, Huo Fenglie said: “I don’t know. It was eight years ago. The emperor directly issued a transfer order, commanding him to go to the Southern Islands to train new recruits. But the Song family household remained unchanged.”

Liu Zhenqing’s expression changed. Didn’t that mean he was demoted? At that time, his relationship with Song Xingmu was not close. On the surface.

---

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Chapter Seventy-Two << Table of Contents >> Chapter Seventy-Four

“Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit…..” The group of second generation ancestors were dumbfounded, huddled up like quails as they muttered. “What the hell is going on? Why is Mu Nanqiao there?”

Someone boldly speculated, “Could it be that he heard that the little beauty was his substitute, so he felt embarrassed and went to start trouble…..”

“Then…..is Brother Gao going to be the hero who saves the beauty?” Someone asked in a whisper. There was no need for anyone to answer, and his own voice gradually grew quieter.

Everyone was speechless at that moment and could only watch silently.

Lu Qi’s stomach hurt from laughing. When that Young Master Gao heard Mu Nanqiao say the words “keep me,” his face looked as if he had seen a ghost, and he was tongue-tied as he defended: “No, no, no…..Boss Mu, no, I didn’t mean that…..”

Mu Nanqiao smiled. His face was handsome and flamboyant, his smile radiant. It should have been a stunning scene, but Young Master Gao was shaking as if he was about to have epilepsy.

“Then you want to keep him?” Mu Nanqiao asked good-naturedly.

“N-n-n-n-no……” Young Master Gao’s strong desire to survive made him reply in the negative. He swallowed. “I just…..cough, his vehicle is pretty cool…..hehe…..”

Mu Nanqiao uttered one word in a sinister tone: “Scram!”

Young Master Gao ran. While running, he stumbled but didn’t dare to stop, scrambling on his hands and feet to his group of friends. There was still lingering fear in his heart, and he slapped his chest like a gorilla: “Fuck, I thought he was going to kill me…..fuck, why did he act like I was hooking up with his wife…..”

When he looked up, he saw his friends with their mouths open, all staring in one direction like the Easter Island statues.

“What are you looking at?” He also turned around, thinking that the little beauty shouldn’t be bullied. 

But under the streetlights, the wrathful Boss Mu was leaning forward to kiss the young man on the motorcycle. He was wearing a suit and tie, and leaned down slightly like a gentleman, but his kiss was without grace. He clasped the beautiful young man’s cool white chin, and the kiss was a bit deep, as if he was declaring his sovereignty.

And the beautiful young man in the white jacket meekly raised his head and endured. Slender, cool white fingers landed on the back of Mu Nanqiao’s neck, as if comforting a tiger with bristling fur.

“Fuck…..” Someone whispered. “No wonder he ignored Brother Gao. It turns out he has a master.”

If it were anyone else, Young Master Gao would definitely be unresigned and try to poach this person, but he wouldn’t dare with Mu Nanqiao. 

Firstly, this person would obviously be determined to retaliate, and he really couldn’t afford to offend him. He flirted with Mu Nanqiao’s person today, and would have to find a way to apologize to him tomorrow. He couldn’t leave any grudges behind, or else his older brother who was discussing cooperation with Mu Nanqiao would break his legs.

Secondly, the Mu family father and son were famously stubborn. Mu Chuanbai had been together with that foreign woman for half his life, and still smiled tenderly every time he mentioned his wife. Moreover, his affectionate nature was not a persona. If anyone sent him a woman, he would break ties with them.

Young Master Gao thought to himself, if the parent doesn’t set a good example, the child cannot be expected to behave. If his father was devoted to his mother and didn’t find a bunch of mistresses outside, he definitely wouldn’t either.

He searched for an excuse for himself – he was just at ease when playing around. Young Master Gao thought that this was a genetic problem. To put it in perspective, Mu Chuanbai was an old wolf, so Mu Nanchaio must also be a wolf. Once he caught something, he would be sure not to let it go. He didn’t want to run into this misfortune.

He was clearly afraid, but not everyone was as self-aware as him.

People who were accustomed to being domineering would never believe that anything would cause them to have a door slammed in their face, or that all of the twists and turns in their past had been settled for them by someone else. This was the sort of fearless stupidity of the ignorant.

A pair of triangular eyes stared at Lu Qi’s slender neck and the person gave a cold snort.

He couldn’t believe that Mu Nanqiao would fall out with the Wang family because of such a powerless young man.

. . . . . . .

“Okay….” Lu Qi whispered: “Cough, doing it in front of a large crowd is too embarrassing.”

Reluctant to stop, Mu Nanqiao bit his lip and whispered: “I don’t like others coveting you. I’ll post on my Moments tonight and see if that short-sighted guy still dares to provoke the lion in its den.”

“Oh, right!” Lu Qi’s round eyes blinked. “We haven’t made an official announcement on Moments yet after getting together!”

Thinking of it this way, there was still a process to go through, so he asked again: “And there are also couple portraits! What kind do you want? I can paint one for us…..”

“Muah~” Mu Nanqiao kissed him loudly on the lips again. “Let’s discuss it when we get back. How much does Wife Xiao Lu charge for painting a portrait?”

Lu Qi was all smiles, and averted his eyes. “No money, just universal benefits.”

The gloom of being poached from was finally dispelled by his sweet smile, but as long as the matter was related to Lu Qi, Mu Nanqiao was very narrow-minded. It was fine for Second Young Master Gao to offend him, but if the thief offended Lu Qi, he found that he couldn’t bear it. While thinking about how to apply eye drops to that family’s foolish son later, he looked at Lu Qi again and couldn’t help but whistle.

“My boyfriend is so handsome, ah.” Mu Nanqiao tilted his head and said: “It seems that I don’t know my boyfriend well enough. I didn’t even know he could ride a motorcycle.”

Lu Qi touched the tip of his nose, a little embarrassed: “That’s mainly because there was no chance to mention it. And besides, I’m really an amateur, so I didn’t say anything about it.”

He handed a helmet to Mu Nanqiao, twisted his waist, and patted the place behind him with a sly smile: “Get on, Boss Mu. Didn’t you tell me to take you home?”

Mu Nanqiao’s eyebrows rose, his veiled gaze falling thoughtfully on Lu Qi’s narrow waist. He took the helmet and stepped onto the vehicle with his long legs. 

The engine roared, and the black and red motorcycle pulled out with dazzlingly bright lights. It made a small turn and flew away in front of the second generation ancestors who wished they could be invisible.

“Fuck….” Someone murmured, obviously doubting life. He nudged his companion and asked: “Mu Nanqiao…..just got on that motorcycle?”

At first glance, this sounded like nonsense. Everyone saw it with their own eyes, but they all understood his doubt: When he got on the vehicle, he hugged that person’s waist, cute and helpless-looking. Was this really Mu Nanqiao?!

. . . . . . .

No matter what others thought, Mu Nanqiao was truly comfortable at the moment.

With his arms around Lu Qi’s waist, he felt incredibly satisfied. He couldn’t tease Lu Qi at this time, and just held him tightly in his arms. After all, his little boyfriend was concentrating on driving. Safety first.

It was just that the traffic flow in Shanghai was not the best. Lu Qi followed the flow of traffic and couldn’t go any faster. When there was a red light, Mu Nanqiao lifted up his helmet’s visor and approached Lu Qi’s helmet to ask: “Lu Baby, whose vehicle is this?”

“Xu Hengxing’s.” Lu Qi’s voice was a little muffled through the helmet. “I asked him to lend it to me to pick up my boyfriend, and he gave it to me without saying anything.”

Mu Nanqiao’s low voice couldn’t hide his curiosity: “Then when did you learn?”

“Xu Hengxing and I both attended high school in Yuncheng. After the university entrance exam, he invited me to a club, and that’s when I started to have contact with motorcycles. I also took the driving test.” Having said this, Lu Qi coughed and his voice became much softer. “I came to Shanghai to study at the university, and would go out for fun when I had the time. The reason I was hospitalized was because of a small accident…..”

Mu Nanqiao tightened his arms. Even though Lu Qi couldn’t see it, he could guess that there was a frown under his helmet.

Lu Qi was a little uneasy.

He didn’t have any hobbies except for motorcycles, but although he liked them, he didn’t play with them just in pursuit of excitement, so his driving style had always been smooth and steady. The reason for the accident last time was because of the other party’s improper operation.

Fortunately, nothing serious happened.

These past six months had been a time of recuperation and dealing with some messy things. It was only recently that he could truly relax, and the reason he didn’t mention it to Mu Nanqiao was because Lu Qi had his own concerns.

Before he entered elementary school, his parents were busy with work, so he lived with his grandfather. Grandpa had a strong, beautiful, and majestic horse, and often held him on its back while controlling the reins.

This was the first time his young self had a vague concept of the word “freedom.”

At that time, the world was vast. The green grass spread from the hillside to the roadside. The wheat on the opposite side was ripe, and the golden waves of wheat rolled under the blue sky, like a brightly-colored oil painting.

Later, he was taken back by his mom and returned to the city.

He knew that his mom loved him very much. He was her hard-won child, so she took great care in everything for him. If he even got a bruise, his mom would be very anxious.

He gradually became a “quiet” child who liked to read, draw, and do crafts peacefully.

Up until that summer when Xu Hengxing secretly took him to that club, and he suddenly remembered that summer of freedom when his grandpa held him.

He obtained his driver’s license without telling his mom.

If you loved someone, you would worry about their safety. Lu Qi could understand, but he actually didn’t need this kind of over-protection. He was a little worried that Mu Nanqiao would say…..

“How amazing, Lu Baby.” Mu Nanqiao smiled and said in a low, sincere voice: “Shall I give you one later? What others have, my family’s little friend must also have.”

The sound was a bit distorted through the helmet, but it still penetrated into his ears clearly. Lu Qi’s eyes widened slightly, and he was stunned for a moment in surprise.

He drove the motorcycle to Prosperous Cloud’s underground parking lot and parked in Mu Nanqaio’s usual space. Mu Nanqiao got off first, removed his helmet to look at Lu Qi with a smile, and teased, “Thanking Knight Xiao Lu for escorting me all the way.”

Lu Qi also took off his helmet. His soft black hair was a little moist with sweat, but he didn’t mind and pushed it back, revealing his smooth forehead. He blinked his bright eyes and looked at Mu Nanqiao: “You don’t have any objections to me riding this?”

“No objections. I have suggestions…..” Mu Nanqiao said: “The club won’t do, so I’ll find a professional instructor to take care of you later. You need to learn how to protect yourself.”

After a pause, he added: “Lu Baby, I know what you’re worried about. I like you, so I respect your hobbies, even if this hobby carries risks. Then all I should do is try my best to protect you, instead of arbitrarily telling you to give it up. This is selfishness in the name of love…..”

Before he could finish speaking, Lu Qi had already gotten off the vehicle on his long legs and opened his arms to hug him.

“Mu Nanqiao…..” The little deer buried his head in the crook of Mu Nanqiao’s shoulder and nuzzled it dependently. “You’re so good, I like you so much. I want to…..cough…..”

He stood on tiptoe and approached carefully, then softly pecked the corner of those pale lips. “Pay the rent?”

Mu Nanqiao embraced him and smiled helplessly: “Don’t run away irresponsibly after flirting.”

“I’m responsible…..” Lu Qi whispered. He turned around after saying this, and his ears went red when he saw the surveillance cameras. With his head stuck back into Mu Nanqiao’s shoulder like a little ostrich, he said kittenishly: “Let’s go back. I’ll take responsibility when we go back.”

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Chapter Forty-One << Table of Contents >> Chapter Forty-Three

Mu Nanqiao didn’t reply to him immediately. Presumably, the general manager was asked to work overtime on the weekend afternoon. It must be an urgent matter. Lu Qi was in no rush, so he took out his tablet to continue an unfinished drawing.

After about an hour, Lu Qi stood up and stretched his waist, getting up to move with his mobile phone in his hand.

The place he was drawing was in Mu Nanqiao’s study. The landlord had arranged a small corner for him with a snack rack at hand, and Mu Nanqiao’s desk was there when he looked up. On the desk was a photo of the two of them taken in the Red Square.

Opposite the study was the fitness room, which contained several types of fitness equipment. The sandbag was in the center. Lu Qi saw with satisfaction that the boxing gloves he had bought for Mu Nanqiao were still hanging on the wall. It was true that he had no scratches on his hands recently. He was relatively obedient.

Squeezing the soft meat on his belly, Lu Qi turned on the treadmill and jogged on it. Just at this time, Mu Nanqiao called.

Lu Qi turned on the speakerphone, and a leisurely voice came out: “Детка, did you pat my WeChat because you want to pay the rent?”

Lu Qi was already used to his shamelessness, so he simply refused to answer his words and said while jogging: “I just went downstairs for a walk and met someone. Lin Yuan’s aunt.”

Mu Nanqiao hummed. “She also lives here? But based on the current situation of the Lin family, she should be moving out soon.”

After all, Prosperous Cloud’s property fee alone was a huge sum.

“She has moved away.” Lu Qi began to pant a little, and told Mu Nanqiao about the conversation between the two today. He asked in the end: “I just feel that she has changed so much. It’s a bit pitiful.”

“My baby is kind.” Mu Nanqiao laughed, and added after a brief pause: “But I absolutely don’t believe those paraphrased words wishing up happiness.”

“Ah?” Lu Qi was confused. “Then why did she lie?”

“Hmm…..” Mu Nanqiao thought for a moment. “She also said you were wronged, and that Lin Yuan isn’t even an ex-boyfriend…..”

He gave a light chuckle. “She is actually pleading for Lin Yuan. She probably thought that the more she downplayed the relationship between you and him, the less hostile I will be toward Lin Yuan.”

It was a pity that Lin Xiaoshuang didn’t know what Lin Yuan had done, and thought that the feud between him and Mu Nanqiao could be summed up as simple jealousy.

“It turns out that…..huff…..that was her intent.” Panting, Lu Qi turned off the treadmill and wiped his face with a tissue. “Suddenly acting so inexplicably, it turns out she wanted to use me to plead with you…..en, I didn’t hear that. I’m really a little stupid…..”

“You’re not used to thinking about this stuff,” Mu Nanqiao said. “That’s fine, I will think of it for you.”

Some people were just not proficient at these twists and turns. Lu Qi didn’t continue with this insignificant problem. He took a glass of water, drank two sips, and asked again: “Is the meeting over? Did it go well?”

His voice was clear, and always had a youthful feel to it. Mu Nanqiao heard it, and the corners of his mouth curled up unconsciously. His irritability from arguing with those shareholders in the afternoon was suppressed a lot.

“It was fine…..” He sighed and said with a drawl, “There are still social activities in the evening. I will have to drink some wine, and I will be back late.”

Lu Qi hummed and said cheerfully: “Then I won’t wait for you for dinner!”

Mu Nanqiao suddenly didn’t feel good. “Baby, didn’t you really want me to come home every day?”

“Cough…..” Lu Qi couldn’t hide the guilt in his tone, whispering, “Who made it so that all you can think about lately is collecting rent…..”

“Little friend, please be reasonable.” Mu Nanqiao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “You were the one who flirted with me first this morning…..”

Lu Qi’s ears turned red.

He was the one who asked to pay the rent first in the morning, but that was because he hadn’t seen Mu Nanqiao in several days. He really wanted to get close to the big fox, but in the end, Mu Nanqiao clearly pushed his limits. He cried profusely and still felt embarrassed. 

Someone was talking to Mu Nanqiao on the other side of the phone. It seemed to be Mu Chuanbai. Lu Qi took the opportunity to say: “Then get busy, I…..”

“Pick me up tonight.” Mu Nanqiao said justly and forcefully, “I will be drunk and unable to drive.”

Lu Qi: “…..Don’t you have a driver?”

“The driver has taken leave, and so has the assistant.” Mu Nanqiao glanced at Assistant Zhang, who knowingly mimed zipping his mouth.

“Then you take a taxi…..” Lu Qi said, “Although I have a driver’s license, I don’t drive much…..”

Mu Nanqiao: ……

“Детка……” He sighed helplessly. “I just want to walk along the road with you.”

Lu Qi thought to himself that his boyfriend was really coquettish and clingy, ah. But he was also a poor, distressed little thing, so what could he do?

Spoil him.

So he nodded and agreed, and told Mu Nanqiao to send him the address later.

. . . . . . .

The smile on Mu Nanqiao’s lips was still there after he hung up the phone. Dong, dong, two dull knocks brought him back to his senses.

Mu Chuanbai knocked on the floor with his crutch to call his son’s soul back.

“Look at you.” He mocked, “With that smile full of love, could it be that you have good future prospects?”

It was a pity that Mu Nanqiao’s face was thicker than cowhide, and such a sarcastic comment didn’t hurt him at all. On the contrary, he understood the jealousy of his old father who was alone in an empty room.

He felt sorry for his dad, who was unbearably lonely and still had to deal with the old guys upstairs. 

Mu Chuanbai: “…..Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It’s nothing.” Mu Chuanbai and began to talk about business. “Dad, those people upstairs have been living peacefully for half a year, and now they can’t sit still anymore. We have to find a way to get their shares back.”

When it came to serious matters, the father and son still worked together. Mu Chuanbai nodded and took out his mobile phone, saying: “I’ll give you the business cards of several people I recommend, you should get in touch with them more. These people are different from the second generation ancestors who invited you to dinner tonight, they are truly useful people…..”

But the second generation ancestors also had some use. Most of the young people in the circle represented the will of the elders behind them. Mu Nanqiao also had to deal with them.

Several business cards were sent to Mu Nanqiao’s WeChat. Mu Chuanbai noticed that he had changed his avatar, and it looked like St. Basil’s cathedral. There was a back view of someone making victory hands on the square, which must be Xiao Lu. He tried to zoom in and take a closer look, but accidentally clicked twice in succession.

[I pat Nanqiao on the shoulder to remind him that it is time to collect the rent]

Mu Chuanbai: ? ? ? 

He raised his head and asked his son, “Which house did you rent out?”

Mu Nanqiao’s expression remained unchanged as he stood up and straightened his tie. “I’m renting out that apartment, but it’s still empty.”

Mu Chuanbai: ? ? ? 

So which one was it?

. . . . . . .

Tonight’s banquet was a little awkward in the end. The young masters looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

When everyone got together in the past, Lin Yuan was a person who knew how to have fun. Whether it was picking up girls at the bar or inviting a few men and women from outside to come over and have a drink with them, he was skilled at the job. Now, Lin Yuan had fallen by thunderous means. But these skin-deep brothers would not fight against the Mu family for him, and were really unspeakably weak when facing Mu Nanqiao.

This man sat across from them with an aura that said “taking care of them would be like chopping melons and vegetables,” which put uncontrollable reverence in their hearts.

But it was not like nobody talked to Mu Nanqiao. The educational resources of wealthy families were still very abundant, and those who were educated were not all dandies. There were always one or two elites. Two or three people were talking to Mu Nanqiao about the recent bidding, and when they tried to pry, they were all dismissed by Mu Nanqiao with a, “We’re just out to play, don’t talk about work.”

Out to “play.” That was to say, having a regular meal. The young masters who had played with Lin Yuan were on the verge of tears. They recalled that the last time they had such a pure dinner party was the last time they celebrated Children’s Day. Fortunately, Mu Nanqiao didn’t hold them, and everyone who came over to greet him was given a drink to give them face. After completing their elders’ tasks, they went to eat agreeably.

Everyone was happy, at least on the surface.

After three rounds of drinking, they took care not to overdo it. Someone said that their graduation project was not finished yet, and proposed to step out first, so everyone stood up one after another. Mu Nanqiao and those who had been exposed to the family business early still had some things to talk about, so the younger ones left first.

“Fuck, I’m laughing to death, hahahahaha…..” After exiting the hotel door, the group of people laughed loudly and started making a ruckus. “Gao Lao’er, how can you mention graduation? Do you even know the name of your major?”

“Scram, scram, scram!” The person being mocked yelled angrily: “Don’t you guys dare say anything. We rolled dice in the WeChat group, and it fell on me. What else could I say? That Mu Nanqiao is not much older than me, it’s weird! Sitting there, he looked just like my dad! I have never seen my own father so well-behaved!”

“Fuck, who isn’t afraid of him?” Someone cursed in a low voice. “The grass has grown on Mu Rui’s grave, and Lin Yuan was arrested. His methods are so powerful…..”

The group of people walked to the parking lot, and someone whispered: “Damn, luckily I’m a few years younger than them and didn’t get involved in those things…..huh? Brother Gao, look at that kid on the roadside riding a motorcycle. There’s something about those legs, waist, and hips…..”

Hearing this, everyone subconsciously looked in the direction he was pointing. A straight man laughed out loud: “Damn, your gaydar went off again…..”

But to be fair, he was indeed a tall, handsome young man at first glance. The motorcycle was black and red, and he was wearing casual clothes with a white jacket as he propped his long legs on the ground and lowered his head while texting. Viewed from this angle, his face was surprisingly fresh, with a small dimple on his cheek, exuding a well-behaved look.

“Damn, sweet and spicy…..” Someone murmured.

This contrast made a person’s heart itch. Under the influence of alcohol, several people were ready to make a move. One of them cried out in a whisper: “I know this kid, he was Lin Yuan’s. He has a stubborn spirit, and as far as I know, he’s still a virgin. Young Master Lin didn’t even eat him before he went to prison.”

Someone asked: “Didn’t Lin Yuan want to find, cough, a substitute for that person before? He doesn’t look like him to me, ah…..”

Everyone fell silent, feeling that Lin Yuan was somewhat blind.

“It doesn’t matter, I want to eat this one. I’ll go see if I can get him…..” Young Master Gao, the one who said he hadn’t handed in his graduation project, cleared his throat and strode over. He said to the young man in a flirtatious voice: “Friend, have we met somewhere before?”

The other party finally raised his head and glanced at him. 

He had a pair of round, deer-like eyes, with a lingering youthful air. The flickering lights fell on those eyes, which were like a clear forest stream reflecting the twilight.

Looking at this face from a close distance, Young Master Gao was almost too excited to stand still. Some little stars were beautiful, but they all wore makeup and filters. However, the face of the person in front of him was clean, and his cool white skin was like exquisite porcelain. 

Young Master Gao licked his lips and continued to say in a hoarse voice: “Oh, I remember. You were kept by Lin Yuan, right? Now that he’s in prison and you have no support, why not go with me? At least I won’t make you a substitute…..”

“Oh.” The young man nodded with a smile in his eyes, and looked behind Young Master Gao slyly. “You also know I was a substitute. I’m not up to grade, la, why don’t you go find the original person?”

Young Master Gao thought that the little beauty was talking to him, and was so happy that he was lost and confused. Hearing him mention the original person, he suddenly trembled. But he couldn’t show cowardice at the moment, so he said with lacking confidence: “This…..this original person has a good-looking face, but he has a double-door figure…..I…..I like ones that are a little petite…..”

When he finished speaking, the little beauty was already bent over in laughter, and smiled as he said: “Mu Nanqiao, did you hear? People think we’re King Kong and Barbie, ah. Hahaha…..”

Young Master Gao’s hair stood on end. He forced himself to look back, and almost lost control of his bladder on the spot.

Mu Nanqiao stood behind him with an unpredictable expression, his face as gloomy as a cumulonimbus cloud. He asked expressionlessly: “You want to keep me?”

“Hahahahaha…..” Lu Qi laughed with tears falling down.

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Chapter Forty << Table of Contents >> Chapter Forty-Two

If he liked him, then he liked him. What’s more, Er-gou may have liked him for many, many years. Since he was tempted, he would have to pursue him. He had no idea what Er-gou was hesitating about.

Liu Zhenqing felt that he had been struggling with this matter for too long. In any case, no matter how long it took, he couldn’t come up with an answer. It was better to just stop thinking about it and get started!

In the evening, Liu Zhenqing went to Huo Fenglie’s room for follow-up treatment in place of the medicine boy and his master as if nothing was wrong.

As soon as he entered the door, Liu Zhenqing sensed Huo Fenglie’s gaze on him.

Heh, clearly you care about me to death. Let’s see how long you last, silly dog.

Yue Xuqian was also in the room, speaking to Huo Fenglie. When he saw Liu Zhenqing coming over with the medicine box, he asked curiously: “Why are you…..”

“I’ve learned a lot from my senior, and I was asked to do all the subsequent work. It is a test given to me by my senior.”

Upon hearing this, Yue Xuqian said at once: “You’re not going to Medicine Valley?”

Liu Zhenqing made up a lie and said: “Senior likes me very much, so he just gave me some guidance.”

Yue Xuqian said in surprise: “I’ve always thought Senior Miracle Doctor had a bad temper, and didn’t expect him to be so tolerant toward you.”

A bad temper. When he heard Liu Zhenqing’s request, he was so angry that he almost hit him with the medicine box. Because he had never taken the initiative to learn medical skills, the purpose of him making the request now was not pure. His master wanted to kill this incompetent disciple with a look.

Liu Zhenqing nodded shamelessly.

Yue Xuqian looked around and felt that he shouldn’t stay there as an eyesore, so he said with a smile: “I’ll leave so that I don’t interfere with the treatment.”

When the door closed, Huo Fenglie called out: “Qing-ge.”

Huo Fenglie was probably still frightened by what happened before, and was currently looking at him with some caution. If the millions of soldiers under his command saw such a distinguished general, they probably wouldn’t be able to recognize him.

Sure enough, Er-gou was only different in his presence. Hmph, and he said he didn’t like him!

“Don’t worry, I have studied very hard, and this is simply follow-up assistance. It was originally only the medicine boy. You know my master and that he must have taken the opportunity to train me. Troubling Er-gou to continue being my guinea pig?”

Liu Zhenqing’s tone was very natural, as if the previous events had really been brushed aside.

Huo Fenglie was taken aback for a moment, but remembered that no one but him was willing to be Liu Zhenqing’s experimental subject in the past. Liu Zhenqing had said that he was his exclusive guinea pig, and he was particularly happy when he heard this, because in his young mind, “exclusive” represented a unique relationship with Qing-ge. No matter how much hardship he endured, he would maintain this title of little guinea pig.

Huo Fenglie nodded. “That is fine with me.”

“Very good.” Liu Zhenqing walked to the bed with a smile, looked at Huo Fenglie from top to bottom, and said in a light tone: “Then take off your clothes.”

Huo Fenglie’s eyes flashed. Yes, one must remove their clothing for acupuncture and medicine. It was obviously a normal requirement, but he felt embarrassed under Liu Zhenqing’s smiling eyes.

“What? You don’t have the strength? Then let me help you…..” As Liu Zhenqing spoke, he began to help Huo Fenglie take off just one under layer.

Huo Fenglie hurriedly said in alarm: “Qing-ge, just let me do it.”

Liu Zhenqing retracted his hands and gazed at Huo Fenglie with leisure.

Under his eyes, Huo Fenglie was as nervous as a young girl entering the bridal chamber for the first time. After he stiffly removed his shirt and exposed his good figure, Liu Zhenqing stepped forward and sat down with a grin.

As soon as Liu Zhenqing came closer, the scent and heat he brought instantly made Huo Fenglie’s hair stand on end. He instinctively sat up straight so that this scent would be farther away from him and he wouldn’t be in disorder.

Liu Zhenqing approached with the needles. Huo Fenglie stared straight ahead without looking to the side, when suddenly his pupils shrank and in the next second, he was sweating in pain.

“Qing-ge, that location…..”

“Oh, it’s wrong? I’ll try again.”

Huo Fenglie’s entire body shook once more, and a layer of pale sweat appeared on his forehead. “Qing-ge…..”

“Wrong again. Should I try once more?”

Huo Fenglie endured five needles. It was not that Liu Zhenqing placed the wrong needles, but that they force and angle would be very painful if the needles were placed slightly differently.

Huo Fenglie somewhat suspected that Liu Zhenqing was doing it on purpose, and couldn’t help but glance at him.

Sure enough, the corners of Liu Zhenqing’s mouth were slightly raised, along with his eyebrows. It was obvious that he was playing a prank.

“Qing-ge, are you still angry with me?”

“I’m not, ah.”

Huo Fenglie was silent for a while, and finally whispered: “It hurts.”

Liu Zhenqing heard this and smiled. Sure enough, the pain vanished, but his movements seemed to be slower.

Huo Fenglie initially breathed a sigh of relief, but then gradually felt that something wasn’t right. Soft fingertips passed across the left side of his chest, and he felt a small itch like an electric current penetrating the skin. His pupils quivered.

Did Qing-ge’s hand touch him on purpose?

His eyes suddenly moved downward. He saw Liu Zhenqing holding a needle with a serious expression, a few fingers on the other hand continuously exploring his chest as if touching it carelessly.

He understood that this was Liu Zhenqing looking for acupuncture points. He had experienced it when he was a child, and he was just a little shy.

But now he felt as if he was sitting on pins and needles.

Huo Fenglie gritted his teeth and forced himself to divert his attention, but the gentle touch was more lethal than a blade, causing him to gradually turn red, his heart as hot as coal.

Did he…..feel wrong? Why did it feel as if it was taking a long time to find an acupuncture point? Those acupuncture points were very common, and he knew where they were. How come Qing-ge…..was he afraid of hurting him?

Just as he was lost in thought, he heard Liu Zhenqing whisper: “Ai, it’s been a long time since I’ve given someone acupuncture. My master asked me to do this right from the beginning. I said that I was fine at applying medicine, but acupuncture was too difficult for me. He even scolded me. I haven’t done this since I was a youth, so how could I be familiar with it? You’re just right.”

“En…..en.”

“So, ah, Er-gou, don’t blame me for being slow. I have to confirm each acupuncture point carefully before putting the needle in. I can’t poke you by mistake again. It wouldn’t be good if it hurt as much as it did now, right?”

He would do better than poke!

Huo Fenglie could only say in an aggrieved, obedient manner:  “I….I’m fine. Qing-ge, just go ahead and poke.”

As he was speaking, a few needles had already been inserted, and that mischievous hand was already moving down his abdominal muscles. It was supposed to be touching acupuncture points, but it felt as if every inch of his torso was being touched.

Huo Fenglie’s scalp gradually went numb. His ears felt hot, and his body was soaked in sweat. Every muscle tensed like a soldier who had been commanded to attack as Liu Zhenqing’s strokes passed over him.

If Qing-ge liked him, he would have suspected he was doing it on purpose.

No, it might be that he was purposely being tortured and punished. Hadn’t he bit him last time? If he let his imagination run wild, he would have already fallen into the abyss like Qing-ge’s group of confidantes.

“By the way, let me tell you an interesting story,” Liu Zhenqing said abruptly.

Huo Fenglie returned to his senses. “What?”

Liu Zhenqing recalled slowly: “Didn’t I save you when you were just born?”

“En.” Huo Fenglie couldn’t help but become serious when he heard this.

“At that time, your older brother was holding you as you came to, looking left and right, and said it was a pity that you were not his sister.”

Huo Fenglie was doubtful. “Why?”

Liu Zhenqing gave a light chuckle and raised his head. Because he was already so close, he was already almost within arms reach when he looked up. The tip of Liu Zhenqing’s straight nose almost touched Huo Fenglie’s jawline, causing Huo Fenglie to hold his breath in an instant.

Liu Zhenqing regarded him with a half-smile. His expression was flippant, and his round eyes seemed to gradually change, becoming a bit like the peach blossom eyes of the past. The light amber color was full of character, bright and high-spirited.

Huo Fenglie was slightly stunned.

“Because if you were a sister, you could repay my life-saving grace with yourself.”

Pupils quivering, Huo Fenglie stared at Liu Zhenqing in astonishment.

Liu Zhenqing’s gaze locked onto Huo Fenglie’s dark eyes as if with hooks, until his face was completely reflected in them. Then he continued: “I asked back then, a boy won’t repay the favor? What do you think your older brother said?”

Huo Fenglie shook his head stiffly. If he was a girl…..perhaps he wouldn’t have been reduced to this.

“Your older brother was only ten years old at the time, and he was still a dull-witted straight-talker. I obviously meant that a boy should repay the favor by being my younger brother, but your older brother thought I was asking if a boy could be my wife. As a result, your brother said that as long as I liked it, you could also be my wife. He wanted to high-five me as a promise.”

Liu Zhenqing’s tone was still light and slow, as if he was really remembering something amusing.

Huo Fenglie didn’t know whether he was harboring ulterior motives, but no matter how he listened to it, he felt that the sound was captivating.

Making the cup of water in his heart overflow again.

He should have smiled along, but instead, as if hypnotized, he said: “Then you high-fived on it?”

Liu Zhenqing raised his eyebrows and said: “Guess.”

Huo Fenglie smiled bitterly and said: “Probably not.”

Indeed not. Now that Liu Zhenqing thought about it, he felt a little regretful for not accepting the offer. Even if it was a promise from a child, a promise was a promise. No matter what happened after that, he wouldn’t have any psychological burden toward Huo-dage.

But according to Huo-dage’s character, he would probably be the first to laugh.

After finally enduring his front being pierced, Huo Fenglie felt much better about his back being done next. After all, the back was not as sensitive.

But Liu Zhenqing couldn’t help but frown. He was still half-joking as he did the front, but there were some recurring things that stimulated Liu Zhenqing’s nerves in the end, especially on his back. 

The scars told of a history of pain. The wounds on his back should all be caused by enemy sneak attacks. Unlike the front, where the vital points could be avoided, almost every scar on the back was close to vital points. 

Because of his medical knowledge, Liu Zhenqing felt even more heartbroken upon seeing them.

Liu Zhenqing didn’t apply acupuncture for a long stretch of time. Huo Fenglie made a sound of confusion, then suddenly felt Liu Zhenqing’s fingers sliding along a place where there were clearly no acupuncture points. Before Huo Fenglie could think about that location, he heard Liu Zhenqing ask in a low voice: “How did this come about?”

Huo Fenglie realized that Liu Zhenqing was asking about his scar.

And the location of that scar was…..

Huo Fenglie was silent for a moment before saying: “When I was eighteen, Xiheng invaded. I was injured when I killed the Xiheng general.”

Liu Zhenqing ignored the fact that he had passed away that year, and said: “I heard about that before. It is said that you killed three in a row and left the Xiheng army without a leader. They could only send for peace talks in despair.”

Huo Fenglie glanced at him and said darkly: “The peace talks were fake. They requested that someone come back and take charge, so that was why they were delaying.”

After a year’s delay, he learned this truth on the battlefield. Otherwise he would have returned to Qing-ge, accompanied him through everything, and not let anyone hurt him.

Liu Zhenqing didn’t press further, but touched another scar that nearly penetrated his spine. “This one?”

“I was stabbed by the barbarian king in the north when we invaded the Monan Royal Court.”

Liu Zhenqing recalled the rumor that a ceremony to offer sacrifices to the gods was held beside the Tianchi river where the ancestors of the Huo family once watered their horses. Such a scene was so glorious and spectacular. Now that Liu Zhenqing thought about it, a stab to the spine was the kind of injury that could pretty much paralyze a person. The news must have been hidden. Many people were watching him eagerly, so he could only perform the big ceremony and play off his injury, so that everyone would think he was uninjured and still majestic and powerful. Naturally, this would deter all enemies who wanted to stab him in the back.

This sort of injury would take a long time to heal. At that time, he had to pretend nothing was wrong and go through with the ceremony. Liu Zhenqing couldn’t imagine how he persisted.

His eyes soon shifted.

“This one?”

“Shot by a random arrow while assisting the besieged Yongcheng.”

“That one is in a song.”

“En.”

It was unknown if the person saw that their “King of Beiding” had a sharp arrow stuck in his back when they were composing the music. It might kill him at any time, but he didn’t have a chance to deal with it, so he could only persevere and lead the soldiers and common people out of a difficult situation.

“I still haven’t heard it yet. I will have to listen to it later.”

“Yes.”

“What about this one?”

“A venomous sting while repelling the three southwest kingdoms.”

“How did such small countries dare do such a thing?”

“That was when news came out that I was seriously ill. They all thought I would not live long, and they could be regarded as the early birds to invade the Zhou Dynasty. Later, I met a master who saved my life at the last moment, so I returned to fight.”

Was that the one that caused his condition that time, when his internal force went out of control and he lost his mind? Not only did he defeat those small countries, but he also left behind the famous line, “Withdraw to the river border, or your souls will be buried here.” 

Liu Zhenqing asked one by one, and Huo Fenglie answered one by one. Sure enough, behind every exciting rumor was a scar on Huo Fenglie that could have killed him at any time.

Finally, Liu Zhenqing’s hand stopped at the position closest to the heart. That scar was placed almost at the heart, but the angle was a bit tricky, or else there would be no Huo Fenglie now.

This may be one of the injuries that brought Huo Fenglie closest to death. The scar looked very old, and should have been left there when he was younger.

Huo Fenglie felt Liu Zhenqing’s hand rest on that last scar, which he least wanted to recall.

He despised himself for his weakness at that time. If it hadn’t been for this, he wouldn’t have…..

But Liu Zhenqing still asked.

He would not refuse to answer Qing-ge’s questions.

“Seventeen.”

Liu Zhenqing’s hand froze on the scar. Seventeen, that was…..the year Huo Feihan died. He sent Huo Feihan’s body back, and Huo Fenglie also rushed over from the northern battlefield. That was the last time the two of them saw each other. After that, Liu Zhenqing became more cold and ruthless, and his methods of handling government affairs became more radical. Those methods paid no heed to his posthumous reputation, only to achieving his goals. Huo Fenglie took over the Huo Family Army and went to the most difficult battlefield in the west to resist Xiheng Kingdom.

At that time, Huo Fenglie had wanted to negotiate peace and sent a letter back, but Liu Zhenqing severely rejected the idea.

Was it because of his rejection that Er-gou suffered such a terrible wound?

“I’m sorry,” Liu Zhenqing said suddenly.

Huo Fenglie’s expression changed several times. He didn’t know what Liu Zhenqing was apologizing for, but no matter what, his Qing-ge never had to apologize to him. 

“Qing-ge, you never need to say those two words to me.”

As soon as Huo Fenglie finished speaking, he felt that person behind him lean over. It seemed that he was pressing his forehead against the scar, against the position closest to his heart. Huo Fenglie’s heartbeat accelerated and intensified, as if it wanted to leap out and embrace the sad person behind it for its owner. 

“Er-gou. Did it hurt? Did it hurt a lot?” Liu Zhenqing asked hoarsely.

Huo Fenglie was silent. Then he suddenly thought of something and said: “It hurt a lot at the time, but I can no longer feel it after so many years because I found the best medicine to heal the injury.”

Liu Zhenqing thought Huo Fenglie was talking about the good medicine given by Li Xingruo. “She didn’t help you remove the scar.”

Huo Fenglie seemed to chuckle, and said: “There was no need.”

His tone was magnanimous. After a while, Liu Zhenqing raised his head to say something, but heard Huo Fenglie say anxiously: “Is it…..very ugly? If you feel uncomfortable looking at it, I can seek medicine from Senior? I remember that there is a medicine in the Medical Valley that can…..”

Liu Zhenqing was inexplicably amused. Where was that cool and magnanimous behavior just now that showed no care for scars?

He reached out and patted Huo Fenglie’s back. “Don’t worry, just keep it. It doesn’t look ugly.”

Whether he kept it or not, seeing it every day in the future would also remind him of the debt he left behind.

The Author Has Something to Say:

How will he be able to see it every day?

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T/N: Please forgive the lack of editing, I was trying to get this out as soon as possible!

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Chapter Seventy-One << Table of Contents >> Chapter Seventy-Three

Xiao Sanhua ran out from under the sofa, cursing, and it was unknown where she went. For such a large house, to put it exaggeratedly, they might have to install a tracking device in the future.

Lu Qi pondered in a daze.

As if dissatisfied with his distraction, Mu Nanqiao moved his wrist, causing Lu Qi to gasp and rub his head against his shoulder like a kitten.

Compared to the narrow sofa in the 501 den, the current sofa allowed the two of them to lay on their sides facing each other, so some subtle expressions couldn’t be hidden. Mu Nanqiao even lifted Lu Qi’s chin with two fingers in an evil way, making him tilt his head back in his arms to reveal his frowning brow and wet crimson eyes, the red tip of his nose, and his slightly parted lips. All of this fell into his eyes.

Mu Nanqiao couldn’t help but kiss those slightly swollen lips, wantonly swallowing up Lu Qi’s small whimpers.

A slender calf hung down from the sofa, and the toes tensed for a moment.

Mu Nanqiao laughed hoarsely and raised his hand to Lu Qi’s eyes.

“Rent? En?” He licked and kissed Lu Qi’s Adam’s apple. “Baby’s rent is high.”

Lu Qi raised a hand to cover his eyes. There were two red marks on his cold white wrists, and his ears under his black hair were as red as if they were about to burn. “It’s dirty, please wipe it off quickly…..”

“It’s not dirty.” Mu Nanqiao kissed his forehead reassuringly and stood up to reach for the wet wipes under the coffee table. He didn’t mind Lu Qi being dirty, but if he continued to hold Lu Qi with such hands, Xiao Lu would definitely not do it.

As soon as he stood up, Lu Qi held up his pants and was about to run away, but was stopped by Mu Nanqiao and caught back.

“I’ve paid the rent…..” Lu Qi raised the tip of his nose pitifully.

“Why do you cry so much?” Mu Nanqiao kissed the side of his face and the wet marks at the corners of his eyes. “I didn’t do anything, and you just cried like this…..I really want to go to bed…..tsk, I don’t dare to think about it.”

Lu Qi didn’t mean to cry, but his tear incontinence was truly distressing. He murmured softly, “I haven’t looked at the other rooms yet…..”

Mu Nanqiao: “Mm…..I understand.”

He grabbed Lu Qi’s waist and turned him around, supported his waist and legs, and picked him up. 

Lu Qi was startled and reflexively grasped Mu Nanqiao’s waist.

“Let’s go upstairs,” Mu Nanqiao said. “We’ll look at your room.”

His clothes were disheveled, and Lu Qi had torn off several buttons from his shirt just now. His chest was half open, and there was a row of small teeth marks on his collarbone.

Lu Qi suspected that he must be secretly exercising, since he supported him steadily up the stairs in his arms.

“Mu Nanqiao…..” Lu Qi called his name in a low voice.

“En.” He opened the door, placed this person on the soft bed very gently, and lowered his head to kiss Lu Qi’s eyes. “Not doing anything, there is no way you can pay rent like this, ah, Детка…..”

He blinked his fox eyes pitifully. “I’m still feeling uncomfortable.”

“You deserve it.” Lu Qi snorted angrily. “You said kissing was the rent, and what did you just do…..”

Mu Nanqiao shamelessly continued to act coquettish, kissing Lu Qi’s lips repeatedly while drawling his voice, just like a large dog acting spoiled. “Lu baby…..baby…..”

Lu Qi snorted, but finally softened up.

. . . . . . .

There was still a residual smell in the room, and the window was opened for ventilation. Lu Qi held his wrists and huddled under the quilt, falling asleep. He didn’t have a habit of napping, but he was mentally exhausted this morning, and after relaxing, he wanted to sleep.

“I still haven’t looked at the house yet…..” He mumbled drowsily, “Mu Nanqiao, you are not a good person…..”

“Take a nap and look again when you get up.” Standing beside the bed, Mu Nanqiao leaned over and rubbed his wrists a couple of times. On the cuffs of his dark blue suit, two diamond cufflinks shone brightly. “I’m going to the company for an impromptu meeting. I’ll be back soon.”

“Oh…..” Lu Qi raised his eyes and looked at the big vixen in front of him with his suit and tie. He slowly grabbed his sleeve and asked, “Why aren’t you wearing the cufflinks I gave you?”

It was like he was drunk.

Mu Nanqiao laughed out loud. “Because I want to save your cufflinks for our wedding.”

Lu Qi: “Oh…..”

It was unknown if he heard him clearly, but Mu Nanqiao didn’t mind. He lowered his head to kiss Lu Qi’s forehead, then left with satisfaction.

There was a soft click from the door downstairs. Lu Qi turned over and stretched out his long legs under the soft quilt. After a while, he suddenly opened his eyes.

Mu Nanqiao just said……wedding!

His heart pounded, and his sleepiness was briefly driven away.

It was embarrassing to say that some of Lu Qi’s ideas were rather traditional. For him, this word not only represented a ceremony, but also represented a stable social relationship and the family they would form. 

If he formed a family with Mu Nanqiao…..

Lu Qi couldn’t help the curve of his lips. But then he thought that if there was a wedding, his mom wouldn’t be there, and he felt a bit melancholy.

Feeling that he couldn’t sleep anymore, he sat up, moved his wrists, and took a look at this bedroom that belonged to him.

The main colors were the warm shades he liked. There was a plush carpet beside the bed, and the floor-to-ceiling windows filled the room with light. Even though it seemed a little empty before his things were placed in it, he liked this room.

“Miwu~” The door was open a small crack, and Xiao Sanhua poked her head through it, followed by the little black pig.

Lu Qi patted the quilt, and Xiao Sanhua walked in proudly with her tail erect. She quickly jumped on the bed, put her head on Lu Qi’s chest, and began to purr softly and act coquettishly.

The little black pig also jumped up and lay next to Lu Qi.

Lu Qi lifted up Xiao Sanhua’s two front paws and checked her belly. After finding that there was no dust, he felt relieved and leaned over to kiss her little head. “From today on, our residence has changed. You have to be nice on another person’s territory, ah!”

Xiao Sanhua: “Meow~”

It was unknown if she understood or not.

After looking at his own room, Lu Qi went to take a look at Mu Nanqiao’s room opposite. He thought it would be a simple cold black, gray, and brown, but what he saw was light beige and yellow everywhere. The overall style was similar to his own bedroom.

Thinking of how Mu Nanqiao had soiled the sheets in his room, Lu Qi threw himself onto the bed in exaggerated revenge and rolled around a few times with Xiao Sanhua in his arms.

There were fresh ingredients in the refrigerator, and Lu Qi cooked noodles for himself for lunch.

After eating, he unpacked boxes and sorted out his things. During this period, Xiao Sanhua had already discovered the throne at the top of the cat climbing frame and occupied the high ground like a king.

When everything was sorted, Lu Qi was ready to go downstairs and throw away the garbage.

In fact, he could put it at the stairwell by the back door and property management would have someone come and collect it, but Lu Qi wanted to go downstairs for a walk. After all, this was where he would live permanently in the future, so he would go down and become familiar with the environment.

He swiped his card and took the elevator down to the first floor, then exited through the 5-meter-high entrance lobby. He found a clean, decorative-looking trash can, completed the task, and could then explore freely.

Behind Block A was a small garden. Lu Qi strolled over slowly and didn’t meet many people along the way. When he reached the bottom of the hillside, he couldn’t help but turn on his phone and take a couple of photos. He didn’t post on WeChat moments, but remembered that someone loved these sorts of flowers and plants. After hesitating for a while, he found that person on WeChat. The name read “Mom.”

He had been away like this for four years before, which was a kind of escape. Now, he could no longer let his dad fight alone. He must also try to ease the relationship with his mom.

He sent two pictures of the camellias and a few sentences.

[Mom, I moved. The environment of the new house is pretty good, and the camellias downstairs are blooming. I thought you would like them, so I took photos for you to see]

He didn’t expect to get a reply right away, so he put down the phone after sending it and prepared to walk up the steps on the hill to have a look.

“Is that you?” A female voice came from behind, clear and pleasant.

Lu Qi turned his head and saw a beautiful woman in light, delicate makeup and a loose blue dress. Looking closely, there was a slight bump on her stomach, indicating that she was an expecting mother.

Lu Qi saw that she looked familiar, and as he paused to figure out who she was, the woman had already taken two steps closer.

“I’m Lin Xiaoshuang.” She added, “Lin Yuan’s aunt.”

Lu Qi suddenly remembered that a few months ago, this Ms. Lin Xiaoshuang had been at Lin Yuan’s house. She tried to give him a sum of money to break up with Lin Yuan, and it was also from her mouth that Lu Qi heard Mu Nanqiao’s name for the first time.

She was wearing a red dress at that time, and was arrogant and domineering. Meeting her again now, her temperament and makeup had changed a lot, so Lu Qi didn’t recognize her at first.

He and Lin Yuan definitely couldn’t be said to have gotten together and parted ways easily, and could even be considered enemies. Therefore, Lu Qi was inevitably a little awkward upon seeing his ex-boyfriend’s aunt again.

Greeting her politely and cautiously, he said hello.

Sensing his discomfort, Lin Xiaoshuang stopped and raised her hand to smooth her scattered hair. She forced a smile and said, “I originally didn’t plan to contact you. It would be too intrusive. I didn’t expect to meet you here. Then I will just say something for Lin Yuan, so that he didn’t call me ‘auntie’ for more than twenty years in vain.”

Lu Qi: “…..Say it.”

What she said would go through his left ear and out his right ear, ending this awkward encounter.

Lin Xiaoshuang said: “He said that he regrets the way he treated you, and he supposes he will never see you again. He hopes that you and Mu Nanqiao will be happy together…..”

After saying that, she laughed at herself. “These words are disgusting. They’re all nonsense. Anyway, I brought the words to you, so that’s it.”

There were no ripples in Lu Qi’s heart, and he even wanted to say bah! Unlucky!

When Lin Xiaoshuang struggled to bend down, he noticed that there was a suitcase at her feet.

Regardless of whether he knew her or not, he was a young man who couldn’t just watch a pregnant woman lift heavy objects, so he helped her with it and asked where she was going. “I’ll help you carry your things, but it’s strange, doesn’t the property here provide 24-hour service? Why isn’t anyone helping you carry your luggage?”

“I’m no longer an owner. The tea cools down as soon as the person is gone. Do you think there are good people like you everywhere?” She smiled as she joked. Then she remembered something, and her expression became strange. “You can live here because of Mu Nanqiao, right? You’re living with him?”

Lu Qi was confidently in a relationship and had nothing to hide, so he nodded with an affirmative sound.

Lin Xiaoshuang: “Do you still pay rent?”

Lu Qi thought of something and coughed. His ears felt a little warm and he shook his head, saying: “I don’t…..”

When he said that, he himself was stunned for a moment.

It seemed that from the beginning, he never thought of paying rent to Mu Nanqiao. It wasn’t that he wanted to take advantage of him. He simply felt that it was unnecessary. He treated Mu Nanqiao without reservation, and Mu Nanqiao returned the same love, so there was no need to worry about calculating everything clearly.

Lin Xiaoshuang said: “It seems that my blessing to you last time came true. But you never liked Lin Yuan from the beginning, so you clearly paid rent with the attitude of being able to leave at any time, am I right?”

It seemed that this was indeed the case…..

With nothing to say on the rest of the journey, Lu Qi sent Lin Xiaoshuang to the parking lot, and a car hurriedly drove in. A young man got out of the car and took the luggage from Lu Qi’s hands. He looked young, younger than Lin Xiaoshuang. He didn’t wear any big brand-name clothes, and drove an ordinary car.

But the way he looked at Lin Xiaoshuang was full of tender admiration.

Lin Xiaoshuang smiled at Lu Qi before getting in the vehicle. “I didn’t mean anything else by what I said. Although you are an honest kid, sometimes your intuition is quite sharp. That bastard Lin Yuan probably shouldn’t even be counted as an ex-boyfriend, but a roommate at best. I find it ridiculous that he said those things.”

It was unknown what she had gone through to say something like this. Lu Qi returned home and thought it over again and again, but still felt strange. Turning on his phone, he prepared to talk to Mu Nanqiao about it.

He clicked on Mu Nanqiao’s profile picture twice.

[I pat my “boyfriend” on the shoulder to remind him that it is time to collect the rent]

Lu Qi: ……

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T/N: I’m going to work hard to rebuild my stock of chapters for this story, and then I plan to start translating a short horror novel! I’m excited to try out a different genre.

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Chapter Thirty-Nine << Table of Contents >> Chapter Forty-One

Huo Fenglie woke up several times without seeing Liu Zhenqing. He gradually became uneasy, and asked Yue Xuqian. 

Yue Xuqian was also surprised, and couldn’t help saying: “Is Young Master Liu deliberately avoiding you? Sure enough, he’s still bothered about you calling him Qing-ge?”

Although it was not his original intention, what Yue Xuqian said still hurt Huo Fenglie, and his uneasiness became increasingly obvious. Even after falling asleep due to medicine, he would wake up from nightmares soon after.

When the medicine boy came to change Huo Fenglie’s dressing, Yue Xuqian said: “Why is it you, ah? Where is your senior?”

The medicine boy said: “The miracle doctor seems to like Young Master Liu very much, and keeps him talking. But don’t worry, this kind of follow-up treatment does not require the work of a miracle doctor.”

Yue Xuqian saw that Huo Fenglie was not concerned, so he followed the medicine boy to the miracle doctor’s courtyard, but saw Liu Zhenqing sitting on the steps outside, lost in thought. His expression was sometimes tangled, sometimes absent-minded, and sometimes solemn. Yue Xuqian was anything but reassured.

Although he was no longer with the miracle doctor, he had not gone to see Huo Fenglie. He had waited every step of the way before. Could it be that he knew Huo Fenglie would wake up, so he didn’t go to see him? Sitting here sighing, no matter how one looked at it, he was lovesick, ah.

Yue Xuqian stepped forward with a cough: “What is wrong? You don’t look well. Did the miracle doctor say something?”

Yue Xuqian deliberately searched for a topic, but Liu Zhenqing sighed and said: “Senior asked me to go back to the Medical Valley with him.”

Yue Xuqian’s shock was immediate, and he thought for a moment before saying: “This…..this is an honor, ah. I saw that you know some medical skills, so you should want to study medicine. It is a good thing to be admitted to the Medical Valley. Only…..I’ve heard that the Medical Valley is easy to enter but not easy to exit. Fenglie…..still can’t be separated from you. He has asked for you several times since he woke up.”

It was not that he wanted to stop Liu Zhenqing from developing himself, just that the pair hadn’t pledged their love yet and now they were in such an awkward situation. If Liu Zhenqing left, his brother might be a bachelor for the rest of his life. It wouldn’t be too late if he talked it out first and then left, ah.

A flash of uneasiness crossed Liu ZHenqing’s face. “Really? He woke up several times?”

Yue Xuqian sat down and carefully probed: “Are you angry with him, ah? You won’t even see him?”

“Ah?” Liu Zhenqing was taken aback.

Yue Xuqian gave a faint sigh and decided to speak on his brother’s behalf. “Actually, toward that Qing-ge…..he just loved him like a brother. After all, that person watched him grow up. Don’t misunderstand, ah.”

But Yue Xuqian himself didn’t believe it. After all, he had noticed the abnormality since they met as children.

Liu Zhenqing was very important to Huo Fenglie. It could be said that that person was the first person he saw in this world. It was no exaggeration to say that before he had a concept of the distinction between men and women, all of his feelings were already fixed on that person.

But he still intended to fool Liu Xiaozhu. After all, that person was dead, so why should he take a dead person so seriously? Huo Fenglie also very much cared about the current Young Master Liu, so of course he must try his best to win him over.

The corners of Liu Zhenqing’s lips twitched when he heard this. Naturally, he understood at once what Yue Xuqian was thinking, and said with dissatisfaction, “Really? I don’t think that’s right?”

Yue Xuqian could only say: “Really, really. Why don’t you ask Fenglie? I think Fenglie has you in his heart, so you should speak to him frankly.”

Liu Zhenqing was rendered speechless on the spot. Perhaps Yue Xuqian thought he was crazy about Er-gou, and worried that he would give him up out of heartbreak?

Seeing Liu Zhenqing fail to respond, Yue Xuqian became truly anxious. He found an excuse to leave, then turned around and ran to find Huo Fenglie.

“It’s over, it’s over. Young Master Liu is leaving with the miracle doctor.”

Huo Fenglie got a shock when he heard this. After questioning him thoroughly, he understood that Liu Zhenqing and the miracle doctor recognized each other, so the miracle doctor wanted to take Liu Zhenqing away.

Seeing that Huo Fenglie was silent, Yue Xuqian really had the feeling that he was an anxious eunuch next to a calm emperor.

“Hey, Brother, I don’t understand you. Do you like him or not? If you like him, then keep him, ah. I saw him like that, and I think he intends to leave!”

He actually didn’t, but Yue Xuqian really felt that he had to get things moving.

As expected, Huo Fenglie’s expression changed slightly. But after being silent, he said firmly: “He doesn’t like me that way, and I can’t keep him, so it is better to let him go. At least this time, I will know where he went. That is enough.”

Yue Xuqian was greatly alarmed, and for a moment, he really thought that he was hallucinating. Shaking his head, he said: “What nonsense are you speaking, ah? You’re saying that he doesn’t like you, not that you don’t like him?”

When Huo Fenglie didn’t answer, Yue Xuqian was unable to understand. “Aren’t you making things harder for yourself? There are rumors that even after he lost his memory, he followed you into peril. I don’t think he doesn’t like you. I feel like the two of you are in love with each other.”

But no matter what Yue Xuqian said, Huo Fenglie’s expression did not change at all. He seemed to be extremely certain about this matter. This confounded Yue Xuqian. After all, according to his understanding of Huo Fenglie, he would not come to such a conclusion if he wasn’t absolutely sure.

Yue Xuqian bustled left and right, but still didn’t see any results. In the end, he gave up and waited to see what would happen.

Huo Fenglie didn’t seem to think too much about it anymore, and didn’t even ask why Liu Zhenqing hadn’t come.

Because of the medicine, he fell asleep again. In his dreams, he was at the border camp for some reason, and the feeling of regret was almost driving him insane.

Just then, a voice came.

“Er-gou…..Er-gou, wake up!”

Hue Fenglie woke up at once and saw Liu Zhenqing sitting at his bedside, looking at him worriedly.

“Did you have a nightmare? You’ve broken out in a cold sweat. Get up and wipe yourself off, otherwise you’ll get a cold if you sleep like this.”

As he spoke, Liu Zhenqing stepped forward to assist Huo Fenglie, who was still dazed as he sat up. Then he watched Liu Zhenqing bustle about the room, his eyes gradually darkening.

“Qing-ge, why are you here?”

“I came to see you.”

“You and the miracle doctor recognized each other.”

“En, Master guessed it right away and admonished me for a long time.”

Liu Zhenqing brought warm water, towels, and new underclothes as he talked.

“I heard that you are going to the Medical Valley?”

Liu Zhenqing walked over and paused, tilting his head to regard Er-gou’s expression curiously, but his face unfortunately remained expressionless.

Huo Fenglie didn’t let Liu Zhenqing continue to busy himself. He took off his robes and took a towel to wipe with, as if doing something as they spoke would make him seem more casual. This way, he didn’t have to look at Liu Zhenqing.

His technique right then was too stiff, which seemed to betray his inner uneasiness.

Liu Zhenqing sat aside and looked at Huo Fenglie. Since his body had rapidly lost weight due to the excessive blood loss during his treatment, the scars all over his body seemed a bit stark and looked even more distressing. But the tooth marks on his neck were gone since he was unwilling to bite hard that time, unlike the ones on his shoulder. He feared the scar would be difficult to remove unless he used medicine from the Medical Valley, but…..he didn’t ask his master for it.

“Master brought it up. I…..” Before Liu Zhenqing could finish speaking, Huo Fenglie suddenly interrupted.

With his eyes lowered, Huo Fenglie said, “I’ll send someone to take you back to the Medical Valley. You don’t need to worry about what happens after that. I won’t let anything happen to the Liu family, and I won’t tell anyone about you. When it’s over, I…..I’ll go visit you, okay?”

Liu Zhenqing’s expression changed at once, and he said quickly: “What? Why are you suddenly saying this?”

Huo Fenglie analyzed seriously: “Qing-ge will encounter too many dangers when following me. I didn’t expect the matter to become so serious, with groups of assassins watching us all the time. Now that I’ve thought about it, it would be best for you not to get involved in this matter.”

Huo Fenglie actually knew that everything Liu Zhenqing said when he agreed to stay was a lie. If he was really so worried about the long-separated Liu family, he wouldn’t have tried to leave along the way in the first place. He had a hard mouth, but a soft heart.

And Huo Fenglie himself was despicable. He had taken advantage of this, knowing that Qing-ge probably didn’t want to stay with him, but still hoped to make Qing-ge stay a little longer. Because he knew that once Qing-ge left, it would not be easy to see him again. But now that his master would retain Qing-ge, Huo Fenglie was no longer afraid that it would be difficult to find him in this world.

Huo Fenglie’s reasoning was very sound and rational, and for a moment, Liu Zhenqing could find no excuse. He was no longer Prime Minister Liu, nor was he the real Liu Xiaozhu. There was really no valid reason for him to be involved in this matter, and when encountering the assassins, it seemed as if him staying was a burden.

He knew that Er-gou was worried about his safety, but how could he not be worried about Er-gou? And…..and…..the thing between them hadn’t been made clear yet.

Liu Zhenqing was already troubled and tangled, but now his head had been stimulated into overheating by Huo Fenglie. The dignified Prime Minister Liu was also a novice when it came to matters of the heart. Without being able to figure it out, and without caring about the consequences, he just did whatever he wanted.

“I thought you wanted me to stay with you.”

Huo Fenglie was taken aback. His expression went extremely stiff for a moment, and he stopped getting dressed. He wanted to raise his head, but still did not dare to look at Liu Zhenqing.

“Having Qing-ge here is naturally a boon when it comes to investigating the case. After all, Qing-ge is smarter than me, but safety comes first. It would be difficult for Qing-ge to come back to life again.”

Liu Zhenqing felt like this person was gently pushing him away, and he was endlessly irritated.

“No way, what I want to ask is…..tsk. Huo Fenglie, do you like me?”

Liu Zhenqing thought he could force Huo Fenglie to tell the truth, but in the next moment, he saw Huo Fenglie raise his head suddenly. His eyes seemed to be looking directly at him, but he also seemed to be in a daze.

“No, I don’t have such thoughts.”

Liu Zhenqing had never expected this answer. His brain buzzed and shut down like a computer.

“Qing-ge, I…..I really don’t. You must have heard other people’s nonsense and misunderstood. I really…..don’t. I am very clear-headed and regard you…..as my brother.”

Huo Fenglie’s tone was urgent, as if he was eager to contest this and hoped that the other party would believe his words.

Just like a poor liar who was afraid of being sentenced, using sophistry to withdraw a confession.

Like the jealousy, care, doting, and protection of the past were not his doing.

For a moment, Liu Zhenqing was ashamed and angry, and really thought that he had made a huge mistake from beginning to end and embarrassed himself in front of Er-gou.

But he was Liu Zhenqing. Even if he had no experience with love and easily mistrusted his own judgment, he was no fool. If one person could treat another person like this, Liu Zhenqing could conclude with certainty that it was love carved into the heart and bones.

So at this time, Liu Zhenqing wanted to shout, “Go for it!”

But he didn’t shout, and just watched the panicked Huo Fenglie.

He didn’t know or understand why Huo Fenglie was acting like this. He was obviously afraid that Liu Zhenqing would have a love affair with someone, but he refused to confess his feelings.

Now he was just angry! It felt like being led on.

He wasn’t concerned about his feelings for Huo Fenglie, and only felt that he deserved sincere love.

What the hell, Er-gou wouldn’t admit it…..how could he…..

When he was angry, he was the kind of person who could not be coaxed!

“Ah, really? Heh.” Liu Zhenqing snorted, then turned around and left.

This moment made Huo Fenglie feel as if he was within a nightmare. “Qing-ge, don’t leave!”

Liu Zhenqing didn’t give a damn. If a dog can’t be trained, Laozi doesn’t believe he can’t force you to confess your love.

As a result, he heard a bang. Looking back in surprise, Liu Zhenqint saw that Huo Fenglie had fallen off the bed in great embarrassment.

He didn’t have much strength after the treatment, and it was currently very difficult for him to get up. He could only look up at Liu Zhenqing.

Faced with all this, Liu Zhenqing could only stomp his feet three times in anger, a childish reaction that only happened when he was forced to do something. Then he raised his foot and went to help Huo Fenglie.

“You have no strength, why are you moving around?”

Seeing Liu Zhenqing coming back, Huo Fenglie still felt uneasy and added another sentence.

“Qing-ge, I really don’t have any wrong thoughts about you.”

Liu Zhenqing……

Damn it, I’ll just drop you again!

But Liu Zhenqing still gritted his teeth and helped him back to the bed. Upon looking up, he glimpsed Huo Fenglie’s expression of unease, as if he would put aside his heart and prove it to him if he wouldn’t believe it.

Liu Zhenqing once again almost doubted if he was an overconfident man and had misunderstood.

In the end, the corners of his mouth couldn’t help but twitch as he said: “Forget it, just pretend I didn’t ask and do whatever you want. But I must say that I have no plans to go to the Medical Valley and have already rejected Master. I will take care of this matter to the end. I can’t rest assured just relying on you young ones.”

Huo Fenglie stared at Liu Zhenqing in shock. In the end, Liu Zhenqing was still willing to stay with him. Maybe…..maybe Qing-ge believed it, or…..he didn’t care at all.

“Get some rest, I still need to see Master.” Liu Zhenqing didn’t want to stay any longer. 

Huo Fenglie nodded with a murmur, like a puppy that had made a mistake. This made Liu Zhenqing want to touch his head, but he was still angry, so he held back.

After leaving the room, he returned to Master’s courtyard in a temper and vented his wrath on the bushes there. He beat them for a long time, which drew his master over.

“What’s wrong? Did you go see Xiao Huo?”

“Pah!”

“Why are you angry? Xiao Huo dared to put you in such a temper. Was there some big conflict? You never get angry easily.”

“That kid actually said he doesn’t like me! He doesn’t like me?” Liu Zhenqing couldn’t help but complain.

Unexpectedly, his master reflected on this first, probably in disbelief, and burst out laughing after a moment. 

“Master is laughing?!” Liu Zhenqing glared at him.

“You stupid disciple, aren’t I laughing at you for being so angry? Didn’t you say before that you didn’t have such ideas about him yet? If he doesn’t like you, you should be happy. From now on, you can simply regard him as your adopted brother. Feel free to follow me now.”

Liu Zhenqing stared blankly for a moment. His expression changed several times, he he finally gritted his teeth and said, “No, I can’t leave.”

“Why. Don’t make excuses to your teacher.”

Liu Zhenqing scoffed coldly, “I’m not making excuses. I only have one idea here: I won’t leave until he admits he likes me!”

“So what if he admits it?” His master asked in amusement.

Liu Zhenqing took a deep breath and said: “Then I’ll tell him that I’m a little tempted too!”

After he spoke, he added unwillingly: “Just a little!”

“It’s really just a little bit! I don’t like men!”

“So it’s a casual thing where I can run away at any time, that kind of little bit!”

“Master, why are you leaving? Don’t you believe me?”

“I’m telling the truth, it’s just a little bit! Even that stinky little demon won’t admit it, on what basis should I have to…..”

The Author Has Something to Say:

Er-gou has a reason. You’ll see after Qingqing teases Er-gou well.

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Chapter Seventy << Table of Contents >> Chapter Seventy-Two

When Cheng Suyue heard the news, she quickly led her people to the medicinal restaurant. Seeing a group of soldiers suddenly surrounding the place, a wolf maid became nervous at once and instinctively reached for the dagger on her waist, but Helian Ya stopped her with a glance.

The surrounding diners saw that the situation was not good, and went elsewhere to avoid it. Cheng Suyue walked up the stairs quickly. Because the weather had gradually warmed up in recent days, she had bought herself a new dress. The material was light and the material was soft and warm.

When Helian Ya saw her for the first time, she nearly didn’t recognize her. The two were actually old acquaintances. After all, they had met on the battlefield several times before, but there was still a difference between the female officer wrapped in wind and sand in her memory and the beautiful girl in front of her right now. Helian Ya’s eyes flickered slightly, and she said: “Cheng-guniang.”

“Princess Helian.” Cheng Suyue said, “Since you’ve come to Yueya City, why didn’t you inform us in advance so that we could greet you at the city gate?”

Helian Ya stood up, but her gaze drifted past her to the opposite side. Liu Xian’an was standing in the crowd. He wore sky-blue robes, refreshing and noble. Together with Cheng Suyue, it was like flowers reflected in the vast March sky in Jiangnan, a pleasure to look at.

Cheng Suyue coughed a little and Helian Ya looked away, saying: “Cheng-guniang, I came to Yueya City this time to seek medical treatment.”

Ever since the Baihe Medical Center opened in the city, many people from all over the country came to seek medical treatment. Cheng Suyue asked: “Princess Helian has been unwell recently?”

“It is not me, but my father.” Helian Ya lowered her voice and gave a faint sigh. “Perhaps the gods above the desert heard His Royal Highness Xiao Wang’s curse, so they finally punished the Wolf Tribe. My father has been ill for a long time, with strong inner fire. The doctors are helpless, so A-Shuo and I came here. I heard that…..Second Young Master Liu is the best doctor in the world.

Liu Xian’an was still thinking about what the curse was, when at this moment, he heard that he was part of the conversation. He met Helian Ya’s gaze, and her eyes were the same as Helian Shuo’s, gray-yellow like a wild wolf. But her eyes were not as gloomy as Helian Shuo’s. At a glance, there was even a touch of gentleness, like spring water melting into the afterglow of the setting sun.

A guard said: “Second Young Master Liu, you should go back to the palace first. Cheng-guniang will take care of this matter.”

Liu Xian’an stood still. He actually wanted to stay a little longer, but the guard refused. The guard gave him no chance to speak, and grabbed him, quickly taking this person away! It must be known that back then, the princess would not marry anyone but their family’s own prince. How could Second Young Master Liu know about such a thing? Thinking like this, his movements became increasingly agile, and he stuffed the person into a carriage in a few seconds, then moved A-Ning to the seat next to the coachman and said: “Go!”

The two warhorses might have sensed the urgency, because they ran very fast with dust billowing all the way! Liu Xian’an couldn’t sit still, and his forehead hit the window frame with a bang. He was still in pain when they returned to the palace.

“What’s wrong?” Liang Shu pulled the person in front of him and wiped his red forehead with his thumb. Dumbfounded, he asked, “Did you fall to the ground again while walking in a daze?”

“I accidentally hit it in the carriage.” Liu Xian’an had A-Ning go to the cellar for an ice pack, and said while pressing it, “We just met the wolf princess in the restaurant.”

“En?” Liang Shu frowned. He had just returned from the military camp, so he hadn’t had time to receive the news. Liu Xian’an sat on a chair and spoke of what happened outside, asking again: “Did the prince curse that old wolf king?”

“What curse, I shouted insults at him,” Liang Shu said. “That autumn, in order to show off their power, the Wolf Tribe actually ordered the entire Canggai Pasture to be burned, leaving many herdsmen without food and grass for the winter. There was drought and little rain in the northwest, and it took the Dayan army a full month to put out the fire. It was also ridiculous that people who talk about the gods all the time did such a crazy thing. Afterward, facing this charred wilderness, he might have been a little frightened. So he fell off his horse and knelt down to kiss the dust, looking pathetic and hateful.”

Liu Xian’an asked: “Does the prince still want to save such a person?”

“I want to save him, but not for nothing.” Liang Shu said, “You save him, and I will negotiate terms. The money that the Imperial court spent to help the herdsmen survive through the winter must be recouped. Although the Wolf Tribe is now defeated, there are still a few nails in a broken ship. It is said that they buried a lot of good things under Jade Mountain.”

Liu Xian’an nodded: “All right.”

“Just these two words?” Liang Shu took the ice pack off and looked at the bruise on his forehead. “You don’t have anything else to say to me?”

Liu Xian’an replied: “No.”

‘No’ was not going to work. Liang Shu picked up this person who was spread out on the chair and took him all the way back to the bedroom. He argued, you’re just going to let me go and bargain with Helian Ya by myself?

Liu Xian’an said “En.” I think the princess seems to be quite reasonable, and should not snatch you away…..ai?

Liang Shu bit his lips and kissed him for a long time in bed. The kiss reminded him of when he took the other’s lazy body out from under the quilt. His soft body was wrapped in the same soft, semi-permeable old material that had been washed many times. A thin waist and the fragrance of flowers filled His Royal Highness’s mind with unspeakable thoughts, so he reached out to pull his belt. Liu Xian’an squinted at the bright light outside the window and reminded him: “Cheng-guniang might be back soon.”

As soon as he finished speaking, there was noise at the courtyard door. Cheng-guniang was really back.

Liang Shu took a deep breath and looked at his disheveled sweetheart beneath him. As his eyes moved all the way down, he could see the alluring white and fragrant softness of snow. Liu Xian’an covered his eyes with one hand and tugged the quilt to cover him with the other, comforting him: “This matter is not urgent. It is important to make money.”

This was the catchphrase of several military officials from the northwest when they gathered together. The image of a few rough men with unshaven beards was too strong, and the desire of His Royal Highness Xiao Wang was extinguished by these words. His head hurt, and he bit those thin lips, half smiling and half angry. Then he stood up, straightened his clothes, and said: “Just wait, I’ll return tonight to get my money back with interest.”

Liu Xian’an felt that this was not good, because when he had no debts in the past, it was already very bad. A-Ning wandered outside the courtyard for a long time, waiting until the prince had gone far away, then stuck to the door and asked: “Young Master, do you want me to come in?”

“Come in.” Sitting on the bed, Liu Xian’an took off his open robe and said, “I will take a nap.”

Why was he sleeping again! A-Ning tried to stop him, but failed. Liu Xian’an fell asleep extremely quickly this time, and as soon as he wrapped up in the quilt, he went to who knows where in his dreams. Panting, he ran wildly through the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, all the way to the familiar hot spring, where he warned: “You must have a good rest tonight and not come into my dreams.”

Liang Shu opened his eyes and asked leisurely: “Why?”

“No reason. Anyway, just don’t come.” Liu Xian’an was tired from running, so he also sat by the hot spring. He really didn’t want to face the same situation when he was asleep as when he was awake, so he repeated, “Will you remember?”

Liang Shu stood up from the water with a splash. Liu Xian’an was caught off guard. Looking at the scene of a handsome man bathing in front of him, he asked alertly: “Is something wrong?”

Before he finished speaking, he was dragged into the water.

“Yes.” Liang Shu chuckled in his ear. “I’m not allowed to come out at night, so I’ll finish what I need to do right now.”

Second Young Master Liu had just stupidly taken the initiative to run wildly across eight thousand li of beautiful scenery and threw himself into a trap. This dream was no easier than in reality. He felt like he was choking on water, and seemed to be pressed into a thin velvet flower. Gasping for breath, he reached out to push the person pressing on his chest, but felt a stinging pain in his forearm, and his body jerked—

The bedroom was quiet and dim, with only the faint sound of wind and birdsong outside. The snow leopard cub had been sleeping on his chest, and was still in a daze at this time. It squatted upright and looked at him, its eyes clear and simple, like a child who was unfamiliar with the world. This made Liu Xian’an feel uncomfortable. He picked up the soft silver ball and held it in his arms to stroke a couple of times. The leopard cub let out a comfortable purr, its flesh pads hanging down, and was going back to sleep when the bedroom door was pushed open.

Liu Xian’an was already uneasy, and became even more uneasy when he turned around and saw the person clearly. Liang Shu came over and first picked up the brat who dared to compete with him and tossed it back into the nest. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and drew closer to see his bruise from before.

“It’s fine.” Liu Xian’an ducked back. “Has the prince finished talking?”

“We’re done talking.” Liang Shu said, “A-Yue has arranged for them to stay in an old house in the city. I will send someone to carry Helian Luo over tomorrow, and you can take a look at him.”

Liu Xian’an nodded: “En.”

“Are you hungry?” Liang Shu reached out to lift the quilt. “I asked Lao Zhang to stew chicken soup for you…..what is it?”

“Nothing.” Liu Xian’an pressed the quilt with both hands. “I want to sleep for a while longer.”

Liang Shu was suspicious: “En?”

Liu Xian’an’s expression remained unchanged as he slowly slid down, trying to lie down again. Liang Shu refused to obey. He fished this person out with one hand, but then his expression froze. Liu Xian’an blushed, closed his eyes, and once again adopted the cosmic method of “You and I are only dust.” But dust could also be divided into good dust and bad dust, and His Royal Highness Xiao Wang obviously belonged to the latter. His hand lightly and gently pressed a piece of smooth desire, and he said with a smile: “It turns out that my sweetheart is so dishonest when sleeping.”

Liu Xian’an felt very wronged, but he didn’t want to explain, so he just turned around and rolled into the corner—which just left room for someone with ulterior motives. Liang Shu leaned his body against him and held him in his arms. This time he was no longer disagreeable, but coaxed him with kisses one by one, and then coaxed him to change his clothes obediently and go to the dining room to have dinner together.

“Your Highness, Second Young Master Liu.” Gao Lin held two fat fish in his hands, having  just come back from outside. He had been patrolling the reservoir area all day, so he looked like a drowned rat. He didn’t have time to change his clothes when he got home, so he asked hurriedly: “I heard that Helian Ya is here too?”

“Yes, you will go there with Xiao An tomorrow,” Liang Shu said. “He will diagnose the old man.”

Gao Lin knew the market very well, and lowered his voice: “How much is the consultation fee?”

Liang Shu drew a number with a gesture.

Gao Lin slapped his thigh. Don’t tell me, that old man was annoying when he was jumping around, but now that he is sick, he has become cute. To be honest, I really think he is worth that much money!

“When you go, dress appropriately.” Liang Shu tugged his wet sleeve and said in disgust, “My Dayan is a country of etiquette. Don’t let the Wolf Tribe think that we are using their gold to buy rice.”

“That is for certain.” Gao Lin confirmed, “I happen to have a pair of expensive clothing bought by A-Yue, brand new!”

The style was also refreshing and elegant, perhaps inspired by the young masters in Jiangnan. In short, the aesthetics in Xiao Wang Palace were now becoming more elegant. Even a lieutenant general surnamed Zhao, who was usually the roughest, had learned to buy himself a folding fan. And the relatively less rough Lieutenant General Gao, after adjusting, would stun seventeen or eighteen matchmakers if thrown into the blind date market.

Liu Xian’an slept peacefully that night, and was not asked to repay the money with interest. The next morning, Liang Shu hugged him and asked: “What do you think? Am I not more gentle and considerate? Don’t see that person in your dreams in the future.”

Liu Xian’an hugged his waist and stretched his body comfortably. He yawned and asked: “Are those people from the Wolf Tribe coming?”

“They came here an hour ago, but there is no need to rush.” Liang Shu said, “Let them wait until you wake up.”

“Your Highness isn’t going?”

“Not going,” Liang Shu said. “I’ll leave the power to you.”

His reason for not going was not because Helian Ya would cause unreasonable trouble. On the contrary, it was precisely because Helian Ya was a very normal and measured person. The two sides had already signed a peace agreement. Liang Shu would naturally not make things difficult for such a normal person, but it still gave him a headache when he remembered how that person pursued him all those years ago, so he avoided her whenever he could.

Liu Xian’an took the power that was entrusted to him and went to an old house in the south courtyard.

Helian Ya was guarding the courtyard. Hearing footsteps, she glanced up and out of the courtyard and saw a large group of people walking her way. Many of them were familiar faces from the past, including Gao Lin, Cheng Suyue, and several other officers. Nobody was wearing battle armor anymore, but had changed into regular clothes with a bit of added elegance. 

Liu Xian’an, accompanied by A-Ning, came over carrying a medicine box. He entered the crowd, and his robes blended perfectly into the azure March sky in Jiangnan. They were like a close family, and were indeed such.

Helian Ya laughed, and there was suddenly a vague feeling in her heart that things were different and people were different. It turned out that during this period of time, the people she was familiar with had indeed changed.

Liu Xian’an said: “Princess Helian.”

Helian Ya put away her thoughts and saluted: “Second Young Master Liu, my father is inside. Thank you for your trouble.”

Liu Xian’an nodded and walked into the house to see Helian Luo lying on the bed, his body thin and his face unshaven. The group of soldiers stood at the door, feeling a little sad to see their old rival so weak. Cheng Suyue turned her head and asked: “Ge, do you think that if he wakes up now and learns that he was actually brought to the Dayan army, he will be furious and refuse to see a doctor?”

“Then you had best hope he doesn’t wake up.” Gao Lin said, “Second Young Master Liu is no ordinary doctor. I’m afraid this old man won’t be able to resist.”

Cheng Suyue was convinced. She had almost expected a grand scene of Helian Luo getting so angry that his eyes turned white after being given a grand speech on the dao of heaven and life. She pondered inwardly that if it really happened, she would have to pick up Second Young Master Liu and run away immediately. Fortunately, Helian Luo did not wake up in the end.

Liu Xian’an left a few prescriptions and did not stay much longer, because he was still busy going back to tinker with the piece of wood. Gao Lin watching him leave gracefully, feeling…..it’s over? The other officers were all whispering, the prince sent so many of us to protect Second Young Master Liu, but there seems to be nothing to protect against. Isn’t this just a very ordinary medical consultation process?

Cheng Suyue said: “What, you grown men still want to wait for a lively scene where jealous love rivals fight? So why didn’t you come with melon seeds in your sleeves?”

“That isn’t true.” One of them waved his hands and said, “But Princess Helian, hiss, she didn’t look like she would let go of our prince easily.”

“That was then, and this is now.” Cheng Suyue pushed them aside and walked out. “If you have more free time from now on, sleep more and practice martial arts. Don’t go to the desert wine bars and listen to stories compiled by poor scholars. There are not so many women in the world who risk their lives for men.”

Whether it was a girl from Yueya City or a princess from the Wolf Tribe, there was actually not much difference between them in this matter. If you loved someone but your love did not bear fruit, then forget it. At most, when you thought about it in the future, you would sigh a few words of emotion and regret. Otherwise, would you lead an army to abduct him or hire a witch to bewitch him? Tossing out so many earth-shattering tricks for the sake of a man did sound as if you were out of your mind.

A few days later, Cheng Suyue led troops to send the Wolf Tribe out of the city gate. Helian Ya said: “This is it. Many thanks to Cheng-guniang, as well as His Royal Highness Xiao Wang and Second Young Master Liu. I will send someone to deliver the agreed-upon medical fees as soon as possible. 

“Good. I also hope that your desert gods will bless the old wolf king and keep him in good health,” Cheng Suyue said. “We have already reached this point. I might as well send the princess across the Yinma River. It’s not far ahead anyway.”

Helian Ya was puzzled: “Cheng-guniang doesn’t trust me?”

“Of course that isn’t true.” Cheng Suyue said with a smile, “After passing the Yinma River, I must pick up some beautiful stones for Second Young Master Liu along the way.”

There was nothing else in the desert, but the sparkling stones could be picked up by the basketful. If you were lucky, you could also pick up a few pieces of jade and amber. Liu Xian’an was going to use them to renovate the courtyard. He planned to make the ground a little smoother so that it would be easier to rock.

A-Ning didn’t understand: “What are you rocking?”

Liu Xian’an explained: “A rocking chair. The lounge chair in the palace is too worn out. The prince initially asked me to pick out a new one, but there is this ready-made wood, so I plan to make one myself.”

Liang Shu had no choice but to go into battle and make a deck chair for himself. When Gao Lin passed by the courtyard where the two of them lived, he had to turn his head. The dignified general was wearing an apron around his neck and pulling a saw blade. Ai, can’t bear to look, can’t bear it.

An axe, whoosh, flew out of the courtyard.

Lieutenant General Gao covered his head and fled quickly.

It took Liu Xian’an a full month and a half to make his recliner. It was large and spacious, placed in the courtyard like a moving chariot! A-Ning was stunned, and climbed up to experience it. It felt as if he was lying in the sky, soft and ethereal. The main reason was that the blankets on top were soft, two or three layers thick, and when wrapped up, it was just like clouds.

“Does it smell good?”

“Good!”

The fragrance was just right. Liu Xian’an leaned over to sniff it, and found the aroma very refreshing. He even rode the little red horse to the market and personally bought a high table to match the recliner.

A-Ning was panting from carrying it, and said: “The Young Master has put so much effort into it. The prince must like it very much!”

As for how much he liked it, he at least had to sleep on it for three to five hours, right?

The simple boy thought this while cleaning up the courtyard.

And as it turned out, Liang Shu indeed liked it very much.

Moon dew soaked the boundless sky, and in the night, only two red lanterns shone out from under the eaves. The rocking chair rocked quietly over the newly-paved gravel courtyard again and again. Liang Shu lay on it, holding this person’s thin waist with one hand and pressing hard in his direction—

Liu Xian’an let out a short exclamation and fell on top of him without any strength. Liang Shu dragged his palms over his slightly sweaty back and chuckled in his ear. His voice was gentle, but what he did had nothing to do with gentleness. Later, Liu Xian’an couldn’t endure it anymore and reached out to grab the armrest of the rocking chair, but it seemed as if he only caught a handful of waves, and his whole body was still shaken up and down by the hurricane. He didn’t know when the waves would get heavier or lighter. In the end, he could only put his hands on the other party’s chest and grit his teeth, saying: “This chair…..”

“This chair is very good.” Liang Shu said with satisfaction, “I like it very much.”

[ The End ]

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T/N: It’s finally done! I’m happy to have finished it, but sad to let this story go! This was the first one where I knew from the very first page that I had to translate it. I hope you all enjoyed the story as much as I did!

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Extra Six << Table of Contents

Although the name ‘Mao’er Slope’ sounded earthy, like a small village full of endless brown clay, in fact, it was actually very large. The flat piece of land ran from south to north, just at the junction of Dayan’s western territory and the Desert Wolf Clan. This was the tacitly recognized peace zone between the armies of both sides. After all, even though there was war and disputes, there must always be a place left for the common people to buy and sell goods and make a living.

Mao’er Slope had become even more prosperous and lively in the past two years. Cheng Suyue rode on horseback side by side with Liu Xian’an. She said: “Since the prince expelled Helian Shuo’s troops to the north of Yushan, the border has been stable, the common people have lived happily, and the trade market has been prosperous year after year. In addition to daily necessities such as firewood, rice, oil, and salt, there are also many strange gadgets that are rarely seen in the Central Plains.”

“Helian Shuo?” Liu Xian’an knew this person. He was the youngest leader of the Wolf Tribe, ambitious and proficient in war. He once led twenty-six tribes to break through Yumen in one fell swoop, causing public and government turmoil and panic among the common people. Although he was later driven out of the Dayan Dynasty by Liang Shu, he still lingered in the desert all day long like a fierce and vicious wild wolf, always coveting the fatty meat near his mouth.

“He thought he would be absolutely safe hidden out of sight, but was unexpectedly caught off guard by the prince’s magic weapon descending from the sky. The leaders of the twenty-six tribes died or surrendered. Helian Shuo himself was captured alive by Ku You and forced to re-sign the alliance with Dayan and promise that their armor would never exceed that of Yushan.”

A-Ning was curious and asked: “What if he doesn’t keep his word?”

“Helian Shuo is quite prestigious in the Wolf Tribe, and although the prince could capture him at that time, he could not kill him. However, if Helian Shuo one day breaks the alliance and takes the initiative to go south, it would be the Wolf Tribe who provoked us first. At that time, the prince will not allow him to live.” Cheng Suyue said, “Helian Shuo knows this, so he will at least not act rashly until he can gather the next wave of forces.”

As for when the next wave of forces would be enough, Cheng Suyue said with a smile: “The prince has made great efforts with the herdsmen. They are living a stable life now and are unwilling to fight, let alone drag their children to Yushan. Isn’t this because they are so full after eating?”

Therefore, the Western Region should be safe for a long time.

Liu Xian’an couldn’t wait to visit the border market, which was said to be very lively. He shook the reins in his hands, which had no effect because the little red horse was already tired from running. It panted loudly, its four hooves trampling here and there, as if it was half dead and only one li away from crashing to the ground.

Everyone saw this and sighed in unison, so lazy, this is indeed Second Young Master Liu’s horse!

Fortunately, the market was not far away at this time. The little red horse minced forward step by step and finally arrived, trembling, at its destination. A nearby servant quickly led it to rest. Liu Xian’an stood on a low slope and looked at the orderly stalls in front of him, feeling slightly surprised. Because in his imagination, the border market should be extremely chaotic, with merchants leading horses and camels through it. All kinds of things should be scattered in piles, some a little more sophisticated, and one could at best move one table at a time. The yellow sand in the west wind should be wrapped in the sounds of bargaining, quarreling, things being thrown, and people shouting out to catch thieves, enough to make everyone’s minds buzz. Wasn’t this how border towns were described in the books?

But the reality was very different from what he had imagined. This was no wilderness. Instead, many neat, tall shacks had been built and were divided into different functional areas according to east, west, north, and south. Goods were neatly stacked, and the ground was clean.

Closest to Liu Xian’an was a row of stalls selling snacks. Flavors from all over the world could be found. The fish balls were white and tender in the pots, and looked a lot more authentic than those sold in Fujian Province.

Liang Shu asked: “How is it?”

Liu Xian’an commented: “It’s so neat and orderly. It doesn’t look like the prince’s handiwork.”

“Why are you still looking down on others?” Liang Shu pinched the back of his neck and said, “I’ll give you a chance to answer again.”

Liu Xian’an’s neck was sore from being squeezed, so he wisely adapted to the situation and backtracked. Good, very good.

Liang Shu was not so easily dealt with. Carrying his family’s lazy egg in hand, he complained as he walked about how much energy he spent in order to build Mao’er Slope, how many nights he stayed up, how many books he read, and how many people he asked before he finally overcame various difficulties and built the market’s rudimentary form. Unexpectedly, he encountered a late spring cold that hadn’t happened in the last century, and a heavy snowstorm nearly destroyed all of the buildings. In short, it was not easy.

Liu Xian’an listened and listened, and finally kissed him.

Liang Shu’s words were cut off, and he raised his eyebrows: “Huh?”

There were people around secretly looking at them, frightened out of their wits and wondering why, in broad daylight…..ah! It was said that the folk customs in the northwest were rough, but it turned out that the delicate and elegant young masters from Jiangnan were truly romantic! The soldiers following behind were also confused, because none of them expected that they would actually witness the scene of their own family’s prince being flirted with. They were all stunned, and couldn’t speak for a long time.

Second Young Master Liu stunned dozens of people around him with a casual move. It could be seen that he was indeed very powerful.

Liang Shu cleared his throat and lowered his head to invite: “Do you want a few more kisses? My northwest market is very good. You kiss more and let them all watch, lest any short-sighted people come and snatch it from you.”

Liu Xian’an didn’t kiss him, but instead spent money to buy a piece of sugar cake to coax him perfunctorily. He and A-Ning happily went to the stalls to pick out gemstones. Liang Shu smiled and took a bite of the sugar cake, indicating to the guards to take care of this person. He turned to ask Cheng Suyue: “Where is Gui Rong? Why haven’t I even seen his shadow?” 

“He is busy collecting bills right over there,” Cheng Suyue said. “It has been busy lately, so he had to come.”

Gui Rong, with the characters “rich” and “honorable,” was the supervisor of Mao’er Slope. He was originally a gang leader with the “ghost” and “weapon” characters for ‘Gui Rong,” but was later beaten to pieces by the Yan army and had nowhere to hide, so he capitulated to Dayan. Liang Shu let such a person manage the market, and it could be said to be doubly appropriate. The first reason was that he had a suitable appearance, with a meaty face and fierce eyes, and troublemakers would tuck their tails and leave after just one look at him. The second reason was that he was a native born and raised in the local area, with a broad array of connections, so it was convenient to get things done. In the past two years, he had led a group of younger brothers to make the market’s business very prosperous.

Liu Xian’an had also heard a story about this man. It was said that although Helian Shuo was defeated and left Yushan, he still refused to give up and secretly coveted this market. In order to win over Gui Rong, he even set up a beauty trap. As a result, although the beauty successfully married Gui Rong as planned, she was unwilling to help the wolf clan anymore. Helian Shuo worked hard in vain, but in the end failed to draw water with a bamboo basket and once again became the laughingstock of everyone.

A-Ning commented, he doesn’t sound like a smart person.

Liu Xian’an had no interest in Helian Shuo. He picked through the small pile of gems in front of him, picked the most beautiful ones, and planned to find someone to set a few onto hairpins for his sister. Gao Lin had nothing to do, so he came over to help. There was only one word for his aesthetics, and that was ‘big.’ If it could be big and bright in color at the same time, it was a dream stone that would catch his heart at first glance. A-Ning whispered in his young master’s ear, fortunately Lieutenant General Gao is not a girl, otherwise he would dress himself up so ugly, ah. It would be really terrible.

“Hiss!” Lieutenant General Gao raised a hand to hit him. A-Ning quickly stood up and ran away, but wasn’t paying attention to what was in front of him. With a bang, he bumped into someone’s arm. His feet slipped and he nearly fell into a mud puddle.

“Aiyo, aiyo, Young Master, please pay attention!” The person next to him promptly helped him up. A-Ning was quite embarrassed for making such a fuss. Just as he was about to apologize to the man he hit, his whole body suddenly flew backwards. He was so panicked that he quickly turned around to look, only to realize that it was a guard who had picked him up.

With a bad expression, Gao Lin walked forward to look at the uninvited guest in front of him: “You are very bold.”

With a smile that wasn’t a smile, the man scoffed and reached up to take off his bamboo hat, then raised his head and said: “Xiao Wang came to join in the fun and buy some things. Lieutenant General Gao won’t have his guard up for even this, right?”

Liu Xian’an frowned slightly. Calling him Xiao Wang, was this Helian Shuo? 

He glanced at the other person. He was in his twenties, with a high nose, deep gray eyes, and thin lips. He originally had an excellent appearance, but there was a hideous scar on his face which affected the surrounding muscles when he spoke, making him appear a bit eerie.

And Helian Shuo was also sizing up this rumored once in a century genius. He once wondered what kind of person he was to actually work alongside Liang Shu. Now that he had finally seen him, he didn’t feel that it was strange anymore. Because even if all talent and knowledge was put aside, his face alone could be regarded as Dayan scenery, indeed worthy of putting in one’s sleeve and treasuring it.

He imitated the Central Plains people and gave a salute, smiling: “I have long heard that Second Young Master Liu was born like an immortal. Seeing him today, his reputation is well-deserved. No wonder His Royal Highness Xiao Wang is unwilling to accept even the most beautiful woman in the Wolf Tribe. It turns out that his vision is as high as the clouds.”

Gao Lin originally thought that this man would not be able to spit ivory from his mouth, and never thought that these words would be pleasant to the ears. So he mercifully did not let the dogs loose to expel this person, and said, go on, tell more stories about my family’s prince sitting in peace and keeping a clean mind, so that Second Young Master Liu will be happy.

“It is only that my sister did not come today.” Helian Shuo continued, “She longed for His Royal Highness Xiao Wang for many years, and because of the Huangyang Plains incident, she has resentment and hatred in her heart. She doesn’t want to see him again, and has become depressed and ill. She has seen countless doctors, but has not gotten better. If I had known earlier that I would meet Second Young Master Liu, I would have brought her to take a look. Tsk, what a pity.”

Gao Lin cried out in his heart, bad luck! What kind of nonsense was this? He really should have released the dogs earlier!

Liu Xian’an shook his head and said: “Our prince expelled the Wolf Tribe from the south of Yushan, and the wolf king has held a grudge for many years. This is human nature. It is not surprising, but you hold onto the grudge and do not express it. Instead, you push your dear sister forward in a roundabout way and make ironic remarks to provoke someone. This action is truly pointless, and it is better not to do it next time.”

He spoke neither too fast nor too slow, with his brow slightly furrowed, looking like a kind father educating his son.

A-Ning pursed his lips hard, and Gao Lin struggled to hold back his laughter. Only Helian Shuo looked stiff, and said coldly: “My sister was infatuated, but not only did Xiao Wang turn a blind eye, he even used this infatuation to hold her hostage and negotiate terms with me. Because of this despicable plot, my people had to leave the grasslands and spend the most severe winter in the desert. When they all collapsed due to cold and hunger, did Xiao Wang ever feel guilty?”

“Why would the prince feel guilty?” Liu Xian’an regarded him. “In the early years, the wolf king unified the twenty-six tribes, which made the connections between various herdsmen closer so that everyone could jointly avoid risks and seek livelihoods, which can be regarded as going with nature and the seasons. If there had not been the subsequent attack south, the north and south of Yushan would be peaceful and auspicious. Without war, naturally no herdsmen would die of cold and hunger. Therefore, those innocent souls will not seek out the prince, but will surround the wolf king all day long.”

Gao Lin spread his hands. Look, ba, he has never lost an argument.

“Second Young Master Liu is truly eloquent.” Helian Shuo was so stimulated that he smiled instead. “That’s right, I did lose. But I am a little curious. How will the history books of your Central Plains record the battle that Xiao Wang won by using a woman?”

“The wolf king need not emphasize ‘woman’ all the time,” Liu Xian’an said. “The general of Dayan will only be loyal to Dayan. It is his duty to raise his sword to the Wolf Tribe. As for whether this sword is the admiration of the wolf princess or the admiration of the wolf king himself, to the prince, there is no difference. He regarded the princess as an equal opponent, regardless of gender. The wolf king, on the other hand, has always avoided mentioning the wisdom and strategy of the princess, who was raised by herdsmen, and insists on describing her as a weakling who only has men in her eyes, crying and ill. What is the purpose of this?”

“If it wasn’t for my sister’s admiration—”

“If there is no mutual love, admiration should be hidden in the heart. There is no reason that the prince should be responsible for the princess’s admiration.” Liu Xian’an interrupted him, not wanting to listen anymore. Feeling that this person really talked a lot, he said, “If the wolf king really wants to emphasize that the princess is a woman, then as far as I know, there is a team composed of women in the Dayan army. They are equally as brave as the men, and faced off against the twenty-six tribes many times, but the wolf king did not seem to be particularly merciful toward them because of their gender. Judging from this, could it be that in the wolf king’s mind, only beautiful and passionate women can be considered women and not be hurt by men?”

His voice was like cold jade hitting ice, and Helian Shuo didn’t know how to respond for a moment. Finally, Gao Lin stepped forward and said: “Didn’t the wolf king come here to buy something? I see that the vendors are almost closing their stalls. If you want to buy something, you had best hurry up.”

Helian Shuo glanced at Liu Xian’an, turned around, and led his people away. Gao Lin clicked his tongue twice. He never imagined that one day he would be the one to smooth things over for this grandson. How magnanimous.

Liu Xian’an turned his head and looked to one side.

Liang Shu was standing in a carpet-selling shop, watching him happily.

Liu Xian’an walked over and asked: “Since the prince is here, why didn’t he come forward?”

“I wanted to hear you praise me more.” Liang Shu casually grabbed a blanket and pulled it over the person in front of him. “Helian Shuo’s liver will probably be inflamed with anger tonight.”

“It doesn’t matter, he can just take some bupleurum root pills to soothe the liver. I think he is in good health and will not easily be angered to death.” Liu Xian’an waved his hand. “I just asked the boss to cook a bowl of sweet milk wine. Will the prince drink?”

“Drink.” Liang Shu said, “First of all, when did you know about the matter with Helian Ya?”

“Know? I didn’t know, I have only heard this name. It is said that she is the princess of the Wolf Tribe and rather talented.”

“You don’t know?” Liang Shu grabbed his hair tie. “Then why didn’t you ask when you saw me now?”

Liu Xian’an replied: “Because there is nothing to ask.”

Someone admired the prince, and the prince won a battle. Weren’t these two very common things? If he asked about them one by one, he would have to listen to them endlessly. Liu Xian’an had been talking for a long time, and his mouth was dry, so he didn’t want to ask. Therefore, he got out of the blanket and took A-Ning to run and drink milk wine. Gao Lin watched them all the way and gave a silent thumbs up. As expected of Second Young Master Liu. So calm, so leisurely, and so capable of managing the prince…..ai!

Liang Shu kicked this person away and cursed with a smile, then continued to check accounts with Gui Rong. Gao Lin was lounging around alone, so he joined in and bought a bowl of milk wine to drink. He told Liu Xian’an: “That year, it was Helian Shuo who made the first dirty move and threatened the prince with several villages in the Huangyang Plains. Ku You was poisoned by an arrow saving the people, and was later snatched back from the enemy camp by the prince. His hair was also dyed white by the poison at that time.”

But even though the man was back, his life was still hanging in the balance. The military doctors were helpless, and there was no time to call a doctor from elsewhere. Gao Lin said: “Helian Shuo refused to hand over the antidote, so the prince planned to capture Helian Ya and make an exchange with him.”

“That princess, does she really like the prince?”

Gao Lin answered resolutely, she must like him, but don’t worry, Second Young Master Liu. My family’s prince is very pure. In the past twenty years or so, he has been a chaste and virtuous man who keeps his integrity and respects his reputation. He is the most chaste, upright man in the entirety of Dayan.

A-Ning choked at “chaste, upright man,” and spit up milk for a long time.

On the other side, Helian Shuo made no other moves and took his people away soon after.

Gui Rong said: “This market is a big piece of fatty meat to him. I’m afraid he won’t let go easily.”

“With you watching, no matter how hard he bites, he can only have a small taste.” Liang Shu said, “Calculate the accounts carefully and give him some oil and water at the right time. Not too much, just enough to allow the herdsmen north of Yushan to survive the winter. Otherwise, he will be at the end of his rope and turn his attention to Dayan again.”

Gui Rong nodded: “Don’t worry, Your Highness. I know what to do.”

By the time Liang Shu and Gui Rong finished discussing the matter, the vendors had packed up and returned to their residences. Liang Shu searched around and finally took his family’s lazy egg out of a large carriage. He held him in his arms and admonished: “Why are you sleeping here? You aren’t afraid that the carriage owner will drive away and take you with him?”

“There were still people guarding outside. I wouldn’t be driven away.” Liu Xian’an stretched and said in a daze, “I bought a lot of things today, but ran out of money later, so I used some of the prince’s.”

“This cannot be done.” Liang Shu let him stand firmly on the ground. “I am stingy and love money as much as my life. Why didn’t you ask me?”

Liu Xian’an argued: “I asked.”

“Asked who?”

“The prince.”

When he asked the prince in the Three Thousand Worlds, the other prince raised his chin lazily and said, no problem, you can take as much as I have.

Liu Xian’an said: “In short, he was very generous.”

Therefore, he spent a little money with peace of mind. He bought a painting, many silver dishes, a soft carpet, a singing wooden bird, a compass, and some herbs from the west. He bought things for his parents, his brother and sister, and the miscellaneous things filled a cart.

This was also an interesting part of being in the world, and he enjoyed it.

Liang Shu asked: “You didn’t get anything for me?”

Liu Xian’an stretched out his hand and pointed. 

Liang Shu turned his head to look around, only to see a broken pitch black tree stump stuck squarely on the ground. He was deeply shocked by this unique gift, and couldn’t organize his words for a long time. Gao Lin stood aside with his hands clasped, also very emotional. With this size, it could make a lot of washboards…..enough for ten years.

Liang Shu asked calmly: “How can it be used?”

Gao Lin replied wittily, how else can it be used? Of course it will be used for washing clothes. The prince loves cleanliness so much that it is normal for the manor to spend money on washing boards.

Liu Xian’an regarded this piece of wood as a treasure, and even asked A-Ning to find a rain cloth and wrap it tightly. The rumbling all the way back to Yueya City attracted people from all over the city to come and see. They thought the prince had bought something good in Mao’er Slope, but later heard that it was a gift from Second Young Master Liu to the prince and were even more curious. A brave one stepped forward to touch it, and it was hard. When he returned home, he told his wife mysteriously that it was big, heavy, and hard. He guessed that it was probably gold bricks.

So envious, so envious.

In Xiao Wang Palace, Liu Xian’an had someone put the wood in an empty room. He took a knife and gestured left and right, wondering where to start, but couldn’t figure it out yet. A-Ning suddenly ran in happily and called: “Young Master, guess who’s here?”

Liu Xian’an raised his head, and before he had time to guess, Liu Hengchang had already stepped in from the courtyard outside. He had first returned to Baihe Mountain Village a while ago, and then went to Western Jin to collect a batch of medicinal materials. Taking everything into account, he had been traveling for more than half a year. Last month, he heard that the Second Young Master was in the northwest, so he rushed back day and night.

Liu Hengchang asked happily: “Young Master, what do you think about the medical center I built?”

Liu Xian’an replied happily: “I don’t know, I haven’t seen it yet.”

A-Ning: “……”

Liu Hengchang was stifled, and asked haltingly after a long moment: “B-but hasn’t the young master been in the northwest for more than two months?”

Liu Xian’an replied: “But I’ve been sleeping.”

Liu Hengchang was instantly taken back to the years he spent in Baihe Mountain Village. This laziness was so familiar and dear. Yes, ah, how could he forget that his family’s Second Young Master was a sleeping immortal just because of his time in the Southwest! Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Liu Xian’an laughed as well. He patted the wood residue on his body and said: “Let’s go!”

Thus, two months after arriving in Yueya City, the lazy fellow finally thought of going to his own family’s medical clinic. The land in the northwest was no more precious than the land in Jiangnan, so this Baihe Medical Clinic was also built very tall and spacious. Inside, it was orderly, clean, and tidy. Liu Xian’an looked around and nodded, praising: “Pretty good.”

“The medicinal cuisine restaurant across the street uses our recipes,” Liu Hengchang said. “Young Master, do you want to go over and have a look too?”

He wanted to come and take a look. Liu Xian’an followed him to the restaurant. When the diners saw this, they eagerly stretched out their necks to watch, and lowered their voices to continue their discussions. It was mostly about the gold bricks, because they were truly greedy and envious. To be fair, who wouldn’t want such a thing?

“Why did Second Young Master Liu give the prince gold bricks?”

“Why else? Of course it is because the prince likes it. When giving gifts, isn’t it about being pleasing to the eye?”

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, you have to be a wealthy young master from Jiangnan. Ordinary people can’t afford it!”

In the end, they unanimously came to the conclusion that they would have a happy hundred-year marriage and were a perfect match.

At a table of diners in the corner, someone gave a faint sigh and put down the wine cup in her hand.

“Princess.” The maid lowered her voice. “It is too noisy here. Let’s change to a different restaurant.”

“I won’t change restaurants.” Helian Ya said, “I also want to meet that Second Young Master Liu and see what the person who made A-Shuo so angry that he can’t eat looks like.”

Liu Xian’an looked around the kitchen and didn’t see anything wrong with the recipes. It made him feel hungry. Liu Hengchang quickly said: “I asked the boss to reserve a table. It is close to the railing on the third floor and has a clear view of the whole city. It is the best location. Young Master, please come this way.”

“It is better to change to a private room,” Liu Xian’an said. “In the hall on the third floor, close to the railing, there are members of the Wolf Tribe.”

Liu Hengchang was surprised: “The Wolf Tribe, isn’t that…..don’t we need to report to Lieutenant General Gao immediately?”

“You can report it, but I don’t think they are here to cause trouble.” Liu Xian’an said, “When reporting, add one more sentence: everyone should not be too nervous.”

Liu Hengchang made an affirmative sound and ran out to find someone. A-Ning asked in confusion: “How can the young master recognize people from the Wolf Tribe?”

“There are two maids upstairs. They were following Helian Shuo that day.” Liu Xian’an put a medicine jar back. “But Helian Shuo is not here today, and is replaced by a woman. I suppose that is his sister.”

A-Ning sucked in a breath of cold air: “Isn’t that the wolf princess who likes the prince?”

Liu Xian’an nodded: “Yes, that is her, but you don’t need to be so nervous. There are five to ten thousand people in the world who like the prince. If you are shocked when you see one, you might be shocked for three to five years.”

“…..Five thousand is too much.”

“Where is five thousand too much?”

After all, there were more than 80 million Dayan people, inside and outside. With five thousand out of 80 million, out of 20,000 people, there would be only one person who liked His Royal Highness Xiao Wang. Was this too many?

Liu Xian’an said: “It is already very restrained and reasonable.”

What’s more, the Wolf Tribe does not belong to Dayan, so if we are more rigorous and include foreign clans, there will only be more.

A-Ning was successfully circumvented, and felt that there seemed to be some truth to it. Moreover, his family’s young master never had any principles or positions when it came to His Royal Highness Xiao Wang. So five thousand was only five thousand. Not too much, really not too much.

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Although Liu Xian’an often imagined himself walking barefoot in the extremely cold and boundless fields of snow when he was at home, in reality, often when the north wind blew the first yellow leaf in Baihe City, even the most sensitive birds wouldn’t react. But the village servants were already running in and out quickly, preparing a warm brazier for their lazy young master. And Madam Liu would also give him an extra soft and fluffy cotton quilt—because he always lay down and refused to move, and he was very prone to the cold.

A-Ning said: “I hear that it is very cold in the northwest, even colder than Wangcheng.”

Liu Xian’an lay in the spacious carriage and leisurely answered, it is naturally cold in the northwest, and Yumen is covered in wind and snow. I have read about it in poems before, and this time, I finally have the opportunity. I want to experience it immersively.

A-Ning reminded: “But the young master is so afraid of the cold.”

Liu Xian’an waved his hand casually. No matter, I can also not be afraid.

As a result, on the first day upon arriving at Yacheng, he was blown down by the strong wind at the border as soon as he got out of the carriage and sat down on the ground. His hair and robes flew up in chaos, hitting his face painfully.

Liang Shu directly carried him into Xiao Wang Palace.

Liu Xian’an, who had a messy head of hair that was not very immortal-like, wiped two handfuls of sand from his face and turned to look around. Although this palace was almost as simple as the one in Wangcheng, and just as old, it was very tall and strong, and the brazier in the room was effective enough. Once the windows were closed and the whistling desert wind was blocked, there was no noise.

The bed, bedding, and pillows in the room were all new and looked extremely soft and fluffy. 

After bathing meticulously, Liu Xian’an wrapped himself up comfortably and refused to get up again.

Travel the avenues, travel the avenues.

Liang Shu sat on the edge of the bed. He pinched his cheek with his fingers and pulled it: “Sleeping as soon as you get here. Why don’t you go see the military camp with me?”

“Won’t go, it’s too cold. I don’t want to move.” Liu Xian’an half-closed his eyes and went far away. “I’ll wait until the spring cold passes.”

Others slept in and saw the sky, but Second Young Master Liu slept in and saw the moon.

Liang Shu nodded: “Okay, let’s wait until spring passes.”

A-Ning sighed upon hearing this. So every day, he had to lift his young master out of bed with great strength, put warm clothes on him, supervise him to go out for a walk, and then have him do some health-preservation exercises and move around.

Liu Xian’an was cooperative most of the time, but sometimes he was truly lazy and would run back while saying perfunctorily: “I’ve already walked enough today.”

A-Ning asked: “Where are you going?”

Liu Xian’an got in bed and answered confidently, I have walked through three thousand worlds, walked 90,000 steps, and my legs are sore! Just as he was talking, he fell asleep again and completed a lengthy dream. Later in the evening, Liang Shu returned from the military camp after finishing his official duties. With the spring chill on his hands, he took that person out of the warm quilt—it was very annoying, but fortunately, Second Young Master Liu had no temper. When he was woken up, instead of being angry, he felt very fortunate.

“What did you dream about?” Liang Shu asked.

Liu Xian’an replied: “I dreamed that I was walking.”

He had walked through wind and snow, up a very tall mountain. For a lazy fellow, this was very tiring, so Liang Shu held him and coaxed him patiently for a long time, and promised to send him the best war horse in the three thousand worlds.

But he was rejected. Liu Xian’an emphasized: “I have my own horse.”

Liang Shu thought for a moment about what he had seen that morning, the little red horse pacing leisurely among the sturdy war horses, chewing a mouthful of bean cakes and fodder. He nodded: “En, that is indeed your horse.”

“Your Highness, take good care of it for me.” Liu Xian’an yawned. “When the weather isn’t so cold, I will ride it into the desert. How did it go in the poem, a silver saddle glows against a white horse, passing as swiftly as shooting stars in flight.” Although his horse was a red horse, the meaning was the same.

Liang Shu followed his advice to an extent—until two months later. The few servants in the outer courtyard of Xiao Wang Palace had not yet managed to see Second Young Master Liu in person. All they knew was that this immortal lump lay around all day long, talking about mysterious things in his sleep, such as “It can live forever because it generates its own energy” and “Retreating after accomplishment is the Heavenly Dao,” as if he was about to ascend in the next moment.

Therefore, everyone sighed with emotion. As expected of the person brought back by the prince!

In the afternoon, the small courtyard was warmed by the sun. A-Ning felt hot, so he removed two of the braziers from the room, then picked up a medical book beside the bed and lay beside the bed to read it. He fell asleep and suddenly felt something move behind him. He opened his eyes and quickly rubbed them, chasing after. “Why are you up, Young Master?”

Liu Xian’an stood at the door and stretched hard: “Don’t you hear the birdsong? Summer is coming.”

A-Ning was delighted, not so much for summer, but for the fact that the young master was willing to put something big on his agenda!

In the outer house, Zhao Xiaomao was playing with a wooden bird. He was a well-known naughty monkey in the house, always mischievous and troublesome. Recently, he had learned some boxing and kicking skills from Gao Lin, and jumped around even more lawlessly. There was simply no moment of peace. The noise caused Zhao Xiaomao’s father to stop being stingy, and he spent a lot of money on a gadget for his son to go out and play with, hoping that he could calm down for a while.

Zhao Xiaomao did play, but he took a different approach. Instead of letting the gadget fly around, he dismantled it into multiple parts and studied its internal structure carefully.

The little girl next door had initially come happily to fly the wooden bird, but ended up seeing a pile of broken wood, and was naturally uninterested. She turned to leave, but was pulled by her pigtails, and was so angry that she picked up stones and threw them. Zhao Xiaomao was hit, and just squatted on the ground while covering his head, laughing. He seemed to be very happy, and had a silly appearance. Standing under a tree not far away, Liang Shu had a splitting headache.

The little girl finally ran away crying, and Zhao Xiaomao did not chase after her. Instead, he continued to focus on his own precious wooden pieces until he was flicked on the head.

“Aiyo!”

“What aiyo?” Liang Shu pinched his shoulders with two fingers and said in disgust: “You brat, how come you have only grown in stature but not in ability?”

“Your Highness.” There were no rules in Xiao Wang Palace, and the little one didn’t have to comply. Zhao Xiaomao wiped his dirty hands on his body and argued unresignedly: “Uncle Gao praised me for my ability.”

“Don’t listen to him, he is an old bachelor himself, and has the same problem as you.” Liang Shu frightened the child. “If you keep going like this, you may not be able to find a wife in the future.”

Zhao Xiaomao felt very indifferent: “If I can’t find one, I can’t find one. I see that Uncle Wang, Uncle Li, Uncle Qian, Uncle Song, Uncle Ma, and Uncle Zhang all have no wives.”

One sentence hit His Royal Highness Xiao Wang’s pain point hard. He really didn’t understand why the northwest camp was so rich in bachelors. Seeing that this little brat had the tendency to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, Liang Shu taught him tirelessly. He frowned and said: “Why do you see what is not there, rather than what is there?”

“Who has one?”

“I do.”

Zhao Xiaomau thought of the adults’ conversations and was very curious. He immediately lowered his voice and asked, “Is it that good-looking Sleeping Immortal?”

Liang Shu was quite satisfied with this sentence. Yes, it is the good-looking immortal.

The two stood talking under the tree. Zhao Xiaomao caught a glimpse of a white shadow from the corner of his eye and turned around, opening his eyes wide: “Wow.”

Liang Shu followed his gaze and saw that the immortal had gone out by himself. It was impossible to wear a big jacket in this weather, as it was too windy, so A-Ning found a good-fitting cotton jacket for his young master. The material was made from the best flowing cloud satin in Jiangnan. When walking, it was like the wind blowing through a bamboo forest, handsome and elegant, flowing and momentous.

Zhao Xiaomao had never seen such a good-looking and elegant person before, and was stunned for a little while. He even felt extremely embarrassed and wiped his dirty hands on the back of his clothes. It was almost the same as when Cheng Suyue quietly tugged on Liu Xian’an’s sleeve when she first met him, which showed that they truly came from the same nest.

Liang Shu came forward and asked with a smile: “You’re finally willing to come out for a walk?”

Liu Xian’an said: “Summer is here.”

“En, summer is here, but it is still a little cold outside.” Liang Shu pulled up his cloak for him, grasped his cold fingertips, and asked: “Didn’t you bring a heater?”

A-Ning quickly ran back to get it. Liu Xian’an glanced over Liang Shu’s shoulder at the child standing under the tree and asked, “What is his name?”

Zhao Xiaomao was a nickname, but he had a personal name he had taken in order to attend school, which was Zhao Wudi, Invincible!

In the beginning, Zhao Wudi was born in the military camp. Wudi, invincible and good at fighting, the name had good intentions. As a result, before Zhao Xiaomao was old enough to go to the battlefield, he first fought and became invincible in school. Lao Zhao brought cured meat every day to apologize to the other parents. In a rage, he changed his son’s name from the Wudi “Invincible” to the Wudi “Landless,” to remind him that he and his father were poor and had nothing, not even half an acre of fertile land. If you don’t work hard, there will be no land now or in the future.

It was the first time Liu Xian’an had heard such an arbitrary name, but it unexpectedly fit this desolate borderland. He said, “It is a good name. Without this death trap land, he will be victorious in every future battle.”

Zhao Xiaomao didn’t understand. What was death?

Therefore, Liu Xian’an stood under the tree and told him what “birth and death” meant. A child who did not like to study would naturally not understand the so-called “disciplines of life and death,” but he could vaguely understand the literal meaning.

It meant that his enemies would not be able to find any of his weaknesses in the future, so he would be victorious and invincible!

Zhao Xiaomao was stunned: Am I so powerful?

“The path to eternal life is written in your name. If you study hard and think hard, you may be able to understand something in the future, but if you really don’t like studying, there is no need to force it.” Liu Xian’an bent down to pick up the wooden parts on the ground and studied their structure. “A human lasts just a few decades. What is important is to stroll in freedom between heaven and earth.

Stroll in freedom between heaven and earth. Zhao Xiaomao liked these few words and thought with ambitious exuberance: “Okay. In the future, I will stroll freely between heaven and earth.”

When A-Ning ran back with a heater in his arms, Liu Xian’an had reassembled the wooden bird and was making it fly around with a circle of people watching.

As for where the circle of people came from, because the news that Second Young Master Liu had come out spread quickly throughout the entire city, everyone came one after another with the mentality of viewing an immortal. Then they really saw a shining immortal in front of a dilapidated old house, standing tall and unstained in the dust. He looked out of place with the surrounding environment.

Surely he was deceived by the prince’s sweet words, right?

Everyone was very perturbed, perturbed but clapping, and the wooden bird finally flew into the sky amidst warm cheers. Zhao Xiaomao said in surprise: “How can it fly so high?”

“This is not very high.” Liu Xian’an patted his shoulder and raised his head with a sigh. “The real high is ninety thousand li above the clouds.”

While Zhao Xiaomao was still counting on his fingers how high ninety-thousand li was, Liu Xian’an had already stepped out of the courtyard gate. He planned to visit the military camp and see his horse.

Liang Shu said: “The military camp is a bit far from here. If you go now, I am afraid you will have to stay the night.”

Liu Xian’an acquiesced, then we will stay in the desert.

Xuan Jiao galloped all the way, bringing the two of them toward the outside of the city. At this time, the red sun was high in the desert. Wild geese flocked in groups, and the defensive city walls were like giant dragons circling and winding toward the deepest part of the sky. The first glance was so shocking that Liu Xian’an couldn’t tell whether this was reality or if he had accidentally fallen into the Three Thousand Worlds.

“Your Highness, Second Young Master Liu.” Gao Lin came on horseback, followed by a group of subordinates. They had just gone to the desert to hunt many wild animals, including a wolf, several gazelles, and a rare snow leopard cub.

Liu Xian’an asked: “Did you also bring this to eat?”

“No!” Lieutenant General Gao immediately denied it. This little fellow has only a few ounces of meat.

Liang Shu reached out and picked the cub up. It screamed, squeak squeak squeak, with blood still oozing from its hind leg. Liu Xian’an grabbed it to take a look and said: “It was bitten.”

Liang Shu glanced at Gao Lin.

Lieutenant General Gao waved his hands repeatedly. I don’t know, but I’m not the one who bit it.

The surrounding soldiers all laughed, and someone said: “Your Highness, we picked this little leopard up on the roadside. We feared it would not survive if left outside. Lieutenant General Gao said that we should take it back for the doctor to have a look.”

“Can it be healed?” Liang Shu asked.

“It can.” Liu Xian’an rubbed its furry body with the band of his fingers and hugged it back into his arms. “It is still young, and should recover soon.”

The snow leopard cub also knew how to discriminate. When being carried by Gao Lin, it was squirming and twisting, screaming miserably for most of the way, noisy enough to make people’s windpipes hurt. Now that it was being held by a different person, it immediately stopped and tilted its head, opened its two black, gem-like eyes and purred incessantly in a delicate and charming manner.

Gao Lin: “Hey!”

And the soldiers were also wide-eyed. How could it judge people by appearance?

This news spread from ten to a hundred, and by evening, everyone in the military camp had heard the legend that “Second Young Master Liu can easily control a ferocious beast.”

As for what sort of beast, some said it was a wolf, some said it was a leopard, and some said it was the prince—of course, the latter was indeed quite ferocious.

As for Second Young Master Liu’s appearance, it was originally peerless in heaven and earth, but with this, it became increasingly ethereal.

Suddenly, the military doctor, Lao Zhang, who was responsible for taking care of the snow leopard and the groom, Lao Li, who was responsible for feeding the little red horse, became the envy of everyone. Gao Lin was rather happy as he walked and listened. He wanted to have more fun and happy events in the military camp, which was better than fighting.

Liu Xian’an took care of the snow leopard’s injured leg, and then went with great interest to find his horse. Upon finding it, he was stunned and almost didn’t recognize it: “Why is it so fat?”

“Second Young Master Liu, it is so fierce when grabbing fodder, ah.” Lao Li also complained, “It can eat from one end of the trough to other in one meal.”

He couldn’t hold it back, and he also didn’t dare to tame it. After all, it was the prince who brought it here personally, so he could only indulge it. With a body covered in fat, the whole horse jiggled when it ran.

Liu Xian’an: “……”

The little red horse: “……”

Lao Li added: “But this horse has a good physical foundation, and gains and loses weight quickly. Now that the weather has warmed up, Second Young Master Liu can ride it out for two of hours each day. In less than half a month, it will definitely be sturdy and strong, comparable to Xuan Jiao!”

Liu Xian’an began to feel dizzy as soon as he heard this. Going out on horseback two hours a day, what is the difference between this and walking 8,000 steps? I won’t ride.

Liang Shu promptly hugged his shoulders: “It doesn’t matter, I will send someone to train the horse for you in the future. But you can ride it out tomorrow, and we’ll go to a fun place.”

“A fun place?” Liu Xian’an asked, “Where?”

“Mao’er Slope,” Liang Shu replied. “It is a border market held once per month. There are not only common folk, but also many traders from all over the world. There are a lot of rare things, and perhaps there are some medicinal materials. Even if you don’t buy them, you can still enjoy the excitement.”

Liu Xian’an didn’t really like to join in the fun, but he liked to join in the fun with Liang Shu. Whether it was going to Mao’er Slope or any other slope, as long as the two of them were together, he felt very happy. Thus, he agreed.

Considering that the little red horse had to run a long distance the next day, Liang Shu kindly gave it an extra day of rest. He took Liu Xian’an to ride on Xuan Jiao and walk around the desert again. Nighttime in the northwest was very different than in Jiangnan. The sky was dyed the deepest ink blue, and the huge silver moon rose slowly like a disc hanging low, surrounded by wisps of light pink clouds. The beautiful image floated continuously in the wind, making it seem like another time and place. 

Liu Xian’an sat on horseback and watched for a long time. It was difficult for him to express his inner feelings in words. After a long while, he said: “In my dreams, there is also such a big, bright moon hanging at the top of the tallest mountain, with immortals flying on cranes across it. They brew wine from the dew, and when they are drunk, they lay freely amongst the clouds.”

Liang Shu embraced him from behind and answered leisurely: “Perhaps there are immortals living on this full moon. Who knows for sure.”

Liu Xian’an said: “Then I want to climb up and have a look.”

Liang Shu gave a little hiss and said: “Now, ah?”

Liu Xian’an turned to look at him with a smile.

Liang Shu took advantage of the opportunity to steal a kiss: “Don’t go, stay with me in this world. 

“Ascending to the moon, just hearing about it makes me tired. It is better to leave it to people thousands of years later.

As he spoke, he kicked the horse’s belly to signal it to turn around and head back to camp. No matter how beautiful the moon was, it was enough to just look at it a couple of times. It was windy and cold in the middle of the desert night, and it was not worth making his family’s lazy egg sick.

Liu Xian’an huddled in his arms, not forgetting to turn his head and look at the moon again. This cold, giant thing made him yearn for it, but also made him slightly afraid. He closed his eyes and imagined that it should be extremely cold there, and that the black cloud shadows may be the sea and mountains on the moon. Seas and mountains, a vast, boundless world. As for how vast and boundless it was specifically, it could be about ninety thousand li to ninety million.

When he thought that if he went to the moon, he would be alone among the mountains, rivers, and seas for ninety thousand li, Liu Xian’an unconsciously shuddered. That was thousands of times larger than the snowy fields in his dreams. Could it be that it went on for all eternity? The Sleeping Immortal was so absorbed in anxiety and sorrow that his brow was knitted. However, there was suddenly a warm touch on his ear. Liang Shu leaned down and hugged this person to him with one arm, whispering: “You don’t need to go there.”

With these six words, Liu Xian’an instantly felt at ease. Right, ah, he didn’t have to go ninety thousand li away. Because there was someone in this world who was hugging him hard. He was very safe, his defenses were very strong, and he was not able to move.

Liang Shu turned his head to kiss his neck, which made Liu Xian’an feel a little ticklish. The two of them returned to camp in such an intimate and ambiguous manner. As soon as they returned to the tent, Liang Shu’s hands were already moving to inappropriate places. Liu Xian’an swatted him: “Bath!”

Liang Shu vowed in his ear: “When the weather grows completely hot, I will take you to Heaven’s Bath.”

Liu Xian’an didn’t understand: “What is Heaven’s Bath?”

“There is a fresh spring deep in the desert, like a bright pearl embedded in the silver grass in the wilderness,” Liang Shu said. “But it is still a bit cold now, and you can’t bear it.”

Liu Xian’an thought that “can’t bear it” here probably had two meanings, but he didn’t want to inquire in detail. He played dumb and gave a perfunctory uh-huh, we’ll discuss it again. I don’t really want to go bathe in the wilderness. What if we encounter a wolf, or if when we are bathing, a herd of goats suddenly comes up to drink water next to us. It would be very strange.

So it was better to bathe in the tent.

The soldiers had not taken into account the major change that their prince was no longer a bachelor, so the bathtub they sent could only hold one person tightly. It could be seen that his monthly salary had not increased, and that it was not entirely due to Lieutenant General Gao’s stinginess. And the bed was also narrow. Not only was it narrow, but it also swayed. It was no problem for one person to lay down, but when two people lay down, it began to creak, creak, groan, groan under the load, as if it might break in the middle at any time.

Liu Xian’an said urgently: “This won’t work!”

Liang Shu also felt that the broken wooden board was really not good, so he simply took the person out of bed. At the same time, he did not neglect to take the cowhide blanket next to him in order to prevent the table from being too hard and hurting his family’s pampered lazy egg.

The table was very strong, and did not fall apart. The only one who fell apart was Second Young Master Liu. There was nothing that could be done. His Royal Highness Xiao Wang was truly difficult to resist.

He even felt that if he really walked ninety million li, he would also be this tired. His back would be sore when he slept, and even more so when he woke up.

A-Ning helped this person up, poured a cup of warm water, and brought it to the bedside, asking: “Is the young master still going to Mao’er Slope today?”

“Not going, I’ll go tomorrow.” Liu Xian’an drank three cups of water and lay flat on his back, unwilling to move again.

A-Ning hesitated to speak.

Liu Xian’an had a headache. I didn’t want to, but the prince was full of lust.

A-Ning: “……”

Okay, Young Master, have a good rest. You don’t need to tell me such details.

Liu Xian’an turned over while holding his waist, and ordered: “Where is the little snow leopard? Bring it and show it to me.”

A-Ning brought the cotton nest from next door and said: “It is a lot more energetic now. It ate some minced meat in the morning, and its medicine had been changed. This nest was sewn by Cheng-guniang herself.”

When Liu Xian’an heard this, his expression was solemn and he first put his hand into the nest to press it carefully. A-Ning lowered his voice, don’t worry, young master. It is all cotton. There are no missing needles or thimbles.

“The craftsmanship is so good?”

“…..Actually, it is not that good.”

Because the sewing was really ugly. The thread ends were messy, the stitches were sometimes sparse and sometimes dense, and the cotton was not evenly filled. In short, she was still the Cheng-guniang whom they were all familiar with.

The snow leopard held Liu Xian’an’s fingers and played with them, licking and biting. Its fur was soft, as well as its belly, and its whole body was sleek and smooth, very delightful. When it was tired of playing, it would lie down on the bed and fall asleep, leading a life that anyone would envy. At least, His Royal Highness Xiao Wang was very envious. Not only envious, but also jealous. When he returned, he buried his head in his sweetheart’s chest and said bitterly: “Who allowed you to sleep with it?”

Liu Xian’an put the leopard cub on his shoulder: “Then the prince can hold it.”

Liang Shu picked it up with two fingers in disdain and dropped it into the nest, causing the cub to bare its teeth and ao ao for a moment.

In the end, it didn’t ao at anyone. His Royal Highness Xiao Wang was determined to retaliate, and didn’t care if it was only as big as his palm or had grown into an adult beast. He cast a frigid glance at the snow leopard cub, which shocked it to the point that all of its fur exploded. It turned around and tucked its tail, buried its head and pointed its furry butt at him, concentrating single-mindedly on being angry.

Liu Xian’an: ……

This is also fine.

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