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The next morning dawned.

Fu Yicen woke up feeling refreshed. Seeing the lazy, kitten-like figure in his arms, memories of the previous night brought a grin that almost reached his ears.

"Mmm..."

With Fu Yicen's movement, Zhou Rendong seemed to experience a twinge in his waist, causing him to whimper softly, his face scrunching in discomfort.

Fu Yicen immediately eased his hold and gently massaged Zhou Rendong's waist. Seeing the other's features slowly relaxing, he chuckled helplessly.

This silly boy seemed more fussy asleep than awake. Uncomfortable, he'd whimper; disturbed, he'd pout; if not held close, he'd sulk for ages.

Fu Yicen traced Zhou Rendong's eyelashes and left a fleeting kiss on his lips.

He wondered when Zhou would be this bold while awake.

Only after Zhou drifted back to sleep did Fu Yicen quietly leave the bed, instructing Yuan Yue to have porridge prepared for when Zhou woke.

Having been in the southwest for three months, most of their tasks were nearing completion. Yet, it was a crucial time requiring caution. Fu Yicen, unable to wait for Zhou to awaken, left.

Reflecting on the previous night, he was pleased Zhou let down his guard, but he wasn’t about to lose his judgment over it.

Unusual behaviors typically indicated a hidden reason. A vague unease lingered in Fu Yicen's mind.

Upon exiting the room, he summoned his secret guards, ordering them to investigate Zhou Rendong's whereabouts and acquaintances from the day before.

By the time Zhou Rendong woke up, it was almost midday.

Memories from the previous night flooded in, causing his cheeks to burn. Overcome by shyness, he made an odd sound, his pale fingers covering his face. He was about to roll around playfully as usual when a sharp pain shot through his waist.

"Hiss"

Hearing the sound, Yuan Yue hurriedly entered, immediately spotting his young master wincing in pain, his face scrunched up like a steamed bun.

"Young master, you're awake!" A bewildered Yuan Yue exclaimed, "What happened to your waist? Did you strain it? I'll get Doctor Chu to fetch some medicinal ointment..."

As he turned to leave,

"Wait!" Despite the pain, Zhou Rendong urgently called him back, "I'm fine, no need for medicine."

Yuan Yue scratched his head, then proceeded to help Zhou Rendong up and brought the simmered morning porridge.

Still immersed in the shyness of the previous night and worried about his plan to escape in two days, Zhou Rendong had many concerns weighing on his mind, affecting his appetite.

Fortunately, though he ate little, he didn't vomit it back up.

Yuan Yue heaved a sigh of relief, tidied everything up, and then leisurely made his way up the mountain.

Zhou Rendong walked rubbing his waist, and by the time he reached the mountaintop, he was panting heavily.

At one glance, Chu Yu immediately understood the situation.

He quickly pulled Zhou Rendong into a corner and handed him a bottle of medicine.

"Cough, apply this after... you know," Chu Yu mumbled, a blush rising to his ears. "It'll help heal faster."

Zhou Rendong's face turned beet red. He blinked and whispered, "Doctor Chu, how did you know?"

Chu Yu cleared his throat, looked up, and feigned profundity. "When your medical skills reach my level, you'll understand at a glance."

He certainly wouldn't admit that this was from personal experience.

Zhou Rendong widened his eyes in surprise, uttered a soft "ah", and discreetly stashed away the medicine.

Maybe… maybe he'd use it tonight…

Over the next two days, Zhou Rendong continued to see patients during the day and tried his best to get close to Fu Yicen in the evenings.

Fu Yicen, considering Zhou Rendong's health, didn't want to push things too far. But this youngster never ceased to fan the flames, acting recklessly.

Fu Yicen, preoccupied with concerns, resisted touching Zhou Rendong again. Seeing the younger's eagerness, he bit back probing questions several times, not wanting to ruin their intimate atmosphere.

Three days later.

Zhou Rendong woke up distracted. During breakfast, he absentmindedly forgot to cool his porridge and scalded his mouth.

Fu Yicen witnessed this, clenched his back teeth in frustration, and tightened his fist discreetly, yet he remained silent.

After finishing their meal, Zhou Rendong noticed that Fu Yicen hadn't left yet. His nervousness was evident, his face screaming that something was on his mind.

Fu Yicen read him like an open book. He leisurely finished his meal before leaving, even asking Yuan Yue to run an errand for him, tactically getting him out of the way.

Zhou Rendong barely relaxed before a deep sense of reluctance engulfed him.

He sighed, lowered his gaze, and wiped away a tear. Retrieving an old bundle from the cupboard, he sneaked off to the place he had agreed to meet Gu Huo. The journey there was unexpectedly smooth.

As he approached the foot of the mountain, he spotted a vibrant red figure from afar.

Zhou Rendong approached, head hung low.

Upon seeing him, Gu Huo smiled and said, "Let's go."

Zhou Rendong sniffed, responded with a quiet "hm", clutching his small bundle, his steps lagging.

He didn't want to leave.

But... if he doesn't leave, the feud between Gu Huo and Fu Yicen will never end, and none of them will find peace.

"Let's hurry." Noticing Zhou Rendong's hesitation, Gu Huo paused and reached out to grasp his wrist. But he was interrupted by a flying stone.

He sharply inhaled, looking up to see Fu Yicen gripping his sword, approaching with a steely expression and deliberate steps.

Zhou Rendong followed the noise and was taken aback. Panic surged in his heart.

Chapter 53: Perhaps... I'll have you kneel until you can't move.

"General..."

Zhou Rendong's mouth opened slightly, it took him a moment to utter those words.

Fu Yicen seemed to ignore him, his furious gaze fixed on Gu Huo, sharp and piercing, as if intending to stab through his heart.

With his typical casual air, Gu Huo smirked, taunting Fu Yicen, "Dong'er wishes to leave with me. Do you intend to stop him?"

As Fu Yicen's gaze shifted to him, Zhou Rendong clenched his fists and looked down, avoiding eye contact.

He originally intended to slip away unnoticed, sparing himself the pain of witnessing Fu Yicen's heartbreak.

Now, he realized that any form of departure from Fu Yicen would be unbearable.