Chapter 58: Benevolence

Chapter 58: Benevolence

Shang Junian had never imagined that he would have a day when he would leave the dungeon.

Not long after the lascivious and brainless Fengling Prince left, guards came to unshackle him from his heavy iron chains. The eunuch in charge, using his palm as a blade, directly severed the curved hooks piercing his shoulders. With the sound of the heavy iron hitting the ground, Shang Junian lost his balance, staggering and falling to the floor.

Eunuch He casually flicked his whisk, then draped it over his arm, his eyes half-lidded as he said, "This key was personally sought by His Highness from the Imperial Palace. Chancellor, you should remember this kindness."

"Hmph..."

Shang Junian gave a derisive laugh at these words. Slowly raising his head, covered in blood, only his fox-like eyes, slightly upturned with pitch-black pupils, remained eerily captivating, reminiscent of the blood-sucking spirits from Strange Tales of Liaozhai:

"He is the one who released me, and he is also the one who imprisoned me. Where does this 'gratitude' come from?"

Eunuch He pretended not to hear the sarcasm in Shang Junian's voice. "Chancellor, even if you do not consider yourself, think of those who came with you. Crown Prince Yuzhang's life is also valuable."

At these words, Shang Junian finally reined in his sinister smile, asking coldly, "Where are they now?"

Eunuch He replied, "Rest assured, they have all been sent back to the hostage residence, safe and sound."

He waved his hand. "Come, attend to the Chancellor's grooming and escort him to the Prince's chambers."

Clearly, Eunuch He did not care whether Shang Junian was half-dead or barely alive, or whether his body could serve its purpose. He knew that since the Fengling Prince had asked for this person, he must be properly wrapped in blankets and delivered to the bed tonight.

That night, snowflakes fell heavily outside, turning the golden eaves and jade tiles into a frosty white. Inside, the charcoal fire burned warmly like spring, lulling one into a drowsy state. Lu Yan wore a loose outer robe, reclining on a low couch by the window, engrossed in a book. The candlelight cast a warm yellow glow on his jade-like profile.

It was rare to see him so quiet, his focused reading a stark contrast to his former self. The maid attending to the lamp gazed at his profile, entranced, until a small pop from the candle suddenly startled her awake. Hurriedly, she trimmed the wick.

The maid feared punishment, her heart pounding with anxiety.

But Lu Yan merely turned a page, his voice not sounding angry. "You may go. There's no need to stay."

The warmth from the charcoal fire induced sleepiness.

The maid secretly rejoiced, bowing deeply. "I take my leave, my lady."

The door opened and closed, leaving Lu Yan alone in the inner chamber. He set aside the book in his hands, looking up at the floating black heart in mid-air, pondering:

"You've given this King memories of his past life, but they are only scenes of being skinned and tortured before death. None of them are useful."

The system sensed his underlying meaning. "What do you want to know?"

Lu Yan smiled. "You said that I will die at the hands of the third hostage, Shang Junian. He has a close relationship with Zhao Yuzhang. Will he also harm this King?"

To his surprise, the system responded, "He won't harm you."

Lu Yan raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

The system remained silent, and the air before him suddenly rippled like water, revealing a scene:

Snowflakes danced in the air, blanketing the world in white,

Xianling was in ruins, rivers of blood flowed through the streets.

Rebels surrounded the Fengling Prince's mansion, determined to capture Lu Yan alive for the bounty. Countless heads rolled with each swing of their blades, hot blood splattering, staining the pristine snow crimson.

The loyal guards left by Xianling's emperor fought to the death, but the numbers were too uneven. Eunuch He was dead, the guards were dead, and in the end, only a figure clad in silver armor remained, struggling to hold his ground. His sword was unstoppable, forcing a three-meter-wide circle free of enemies.

The rebels wanted to advance, yet dared not, shouting from afar, "Xianling has fallen, a new ruler shall rise! Whoever captures the Fengling Prince Lu Yan alive shall be rewarded with a marquis title and ten thousand gold!"

"Why do you, Chancellor, aid the tyrant, when you are a citizen of Wuyun?!"

Hearing this, Lu Yan couldn't hide his surprise, realizing that the figure looked somewhat familiar—it was Shang Junian.

"Since entering Xianling as a hostage three years ago, I am no longer a citizen of Wuyun."

Shang Junian, clad in armor, had a pale face splattered with specks of blood. His expression was colder than the wind and snow. He viciously pulled out the arrow embedded in his shoulder to avoid hindering his swordplay, but this action hastened the loss of his blood. His voice was cold:

"Your killing me today is fate."

"If I am killed, it is also fate. No need for further words!"

With his own strength, he guarded the tightly shut door behind him. However, no matter how skilled his swordsmanship, there would always be a time when his strength would wane. Lu Yan saw the rebels swarm forward, arrows and blades piercing Shang Junian's body. Viscous blood slowly dripped down, mirroring the fading of his life.

After an unknown amount of time, the sword finally slipped from his grasp.

His body hit the ground with a heavy thud.

A general's sword should never leave his hand; if it did, it meant he was close to death.

Lu Yan witnessed Shang Junian fall into the snow, his beautiful, translucent amber eyes gradually dimming. His eyelashes were dusted with frost, his face devoid of anger or resentment, only peace and release.

The air rippled like ripples on water, and the scene completely dissipated.

Still lost in the memory of the deafening cries and sea of corpses, Lu Yan was only brought back to reality by the crisp crackle of the candle on the table corner. He looked at the system. "That person was Shang Junian?"

The system confirmed, "Yes."

Lu Yan asked, "What was he doing?"

The system explained, "He was buying time for your escape, unfortunately, you were caught again when you reached the outskirts of the city."

Now truly puzzled, Lu Yan felt the system was joking. "Isn't he Zhao Yuzhang's man, hating this King to the bone? How could he help me when the country fell?"

The system's tone was flat. "Three years later, the period for hostages to return home approaches. The emperor, unwilling to let the tigers return to the wild, deliberately sets obstacles, ordering envoys to present national treasures in exchange for their crown princes."

"Wuyun offered the Mountain River Sword in exchange for Zhao Yuzhang's return."

"Dongli presented the founding empire's jade seal in exchange for Liu Que Dan's return."

"Tianshui offers one Snowland Ice Toad in exchange for the return of Gongsun Wuyou to his homeland."

The system paused after saying this:

"In the year of Shangjunnian, no one was willing to make an exchange."

"At that time, the emperor was gravely ill, and your nature changed greatly. Pitying him for being abandoned by his country and family, you took him into your residence. Shangjunnian, also disheartened and indifferent, ceased to think about the affairs of Wuyun, content to serve you faithfully."

"So he would not kill you."

Lu Yan never expected there to be such a story from his previous life, momentarily stunned into silence. He absentmindedly caressed the cuff of his sleeve, not having the chance to say anything before eunuch He's voice suddenly came from outside: "Your Highness, Shangjunnian has been brought in."

Lu Yan regained his composure: "Bring him in."

To say "bring" wasn't quite accurate, as the person was carried in wrapped in a bed of luxuriant brocade. The servants drew back layer upon layer of gauze curtains, settling Shangjunnian on the far side of the bed before bowing to Lu Yan and withdrawing.

Eunuch He, however, leapt onto the roof, landing soundlessly. He sat cross-legged with a pot of warm wine tucked in his sleeve. Though outside, his voice clearly reached Lu Yan's ears:

"This old servant will wait outside. If Your Highness has any commands, please summon me."

Lu Yan recalled that in the illusion the system had provided earlier, Eunuch He was among those who had guarded him to the death at the Prince's residence. He found it rare to speak up: "I am indebted to you, Eunuch."

Layers of gauze curtains hung down, blurring the scene before his eyes. Lu Yan casually drew back the curtain and saw Shangjunnian lying in bed, wrapped in a dark red brocade quilt embroidered with begonia patterns. His shoulders were exposed, clearly revealing that the rest of his body was unclothed.

He was naturally exquisite, and now, thoroughly cleansed, free from the filth of the dungeon, one could faintly glimpse the demeanor of a prime minister of a nation. Unfortunately, his eyes were tightly closed, his expression cold, lacking some charm.

Lu Yan thought that in this life, he must certainly find a way to survive. Shangjunnian was brave and strategic, and more importantly, possessed a loyal heart. If he could recruit him three years earlier, it would be a significant boost.

"Though I am far in Xianling, I once heard of the Grand Chancellor's reputation for both literary and martial prowess, known as the jade of men. I never expected that our meeting today would be under such changed circumstances..."

Lu Yan's voice echoed faintly in the air, without mockery but rather with a hint of regret. He had a naturally beautiful voice, and whatever words came out of his mouth, unless they were words that led to ruin, always sounded more melodious and sincere than others.

Upon hearing this, Shangjunnian's eyelashes imperceptibly fluttered, but he did not open his eyes. He only felt a pair of hands gently lift the brocade quilt off his body. Despite the burning charcoal in the room, the exposed skin still encountered a chill, mingled with humiliation and death, slowly creeping into his heart.

Changed circumstances, indeed changed circumstances.

A few months ago, Shangjunnian was still the prime minister of a nation, leading his troops through ice and snow to protect the people, fighting to the death. But in the blink of an eye, he became a discarded piece, sent to a debauched son's bed for amusement.

Not to mention Lu Yan, even he himself never imagined such an outcome.

"If Your Highness wants my body, take it. There is no need for these useless words."

Shangjunnian's expression was numb, feeling no shame. He lay naked on the brocade quilt, with a fresh wound on each shoulder, the flesh turned outward, covered with a layer of dark red blood scab. Below that, his strong waist and abdomen bore some old scars and crisscrossing whip marks.

This body, long and powerful, appeared even more translucent and pale against the vibrant brocade. Those bloody wounds not only detracted nothing from its beauty but instead added a sense of shattered beauty.

Lu Yan inexplicably remembered a white jade glass lamp he adored on his treasure shelf. Later, accidentally dropped, even if skillful craftsmen repaired it, it was still covered with fine cracks.

He raised his hand, slowly stroking Shangjunnian's tightly closed eyebrows, clearly seeing an emotion called disgust on the other's face. Then he moved downward, circling the deep-to-the-bone wound on the shoulder, sighing softly:

"Those servants, although this prince said to bring you in naked, they should not have ignored your injuries."

After speaking, Lu Yan said: "Someone, fetch the medicine box."

There were always countless people waiting outside his house. In no time, two maidservants entered in succession, holding the medicine box. They knelt respectfully beside the footrest: "Your Highness, do you have any orders?"

They were quick-witted, guessing that they were probably going to apply medicine to the seriously ill Shangjunnian on the bed. Although surprised that Lu Yan suddenly changed his nature, they could only temporarily hold back their thoughts.

Lu Yan waved his hand: "Leave the things here and go out."

"Yes."

The maidservant was startled, thinking that perhaps the prince wanted to apply the medicine himself, but she didn't dare ask more, quietly retreating.

Lu Yan opened the medicine box, his fingertips slowly sliding over a row of exquisitely shaped porcelain bottles, finally stopping at a jade jar. He opened the lid and saw inside a rich, translucent red ointment, with a faint fragrance, definitely not an ordinary product.

Shangjunnian thought Lu Yan had come up with another way to torment him, but then saw the other party lightly pick up the ointment with a jade hairpin, slowly applying it to his shoulder, looking meticulous and serious, causing a storm of emotions to surge within him.

Shangjunnian grabbed Lu Yan's wrist, his voice deep, his gaze uncertain: "What exactly do you want to do?"

Lu Yan was the youngest son most favored by the Xianling emperor, his body worth ten thousand gold. In this era where looking directly at the emperor's face would result in execution, his condescension to apply medicine to a prisoner was truly shocking.

Lu Yan glanced at Shangjunnian's wrist: "Naturally, to apply medicine to Grand Chancellor. Why, does the Grand Chancellor wish to die?"

On the contrary, Shangjunnian harbored resentment and hatred,

He wanted to live more than anyone else.

The fingers gripping the wrist finally slowly released, falling limply.

Shangjunnian lay on the bed with his eyes closed, allowing Lu Yan to apply medicine to him. In a daze, he smelled a familiar fragrance, opening his mouth hoarsely: "This is the Life Muscle Blood Jade Ointment."

Lu Yan smiled: "Grand Chancellor is indeed well-versed."

Shangjunnian wasn't well-versed, but when he led troops in battle in his early years, he was shot through the shoulder by an enemy arrow, his life hanging by a thread. The king of Wuyun had once bestowed a small bottle the size of a fingertip.

Shangjunnian heard that the medicine was priceless, even rare in the imperial family. The wound caused by the arrow through his shoulder was at most the size of a copper coin, but one application used it all up, healing and scarring over in no more than five days, hence leaving a deep impression. Now, Lu Yan was applying it to his wounds like it was worthless, inevitably making him feel complicated.

What did the other party want to do?

If it was just for his battered body, it was too extravagant.

Shangjunnian had been immersed in politics for many years, accustomed to weighing options and calculating every step. In his heart, any benefit came at a price, but he didn't know what Lu Yan wanted, reaching the peak of anxiety.

When the candles burned halfway, Lu Yan finally finished wrapping bandages around Shangjunnian. Although it was his first time doing such a thing, he was exceptionally careful and meticulous, not a single fault could be found.

Lu Yan slowly wiped his fingertips with a damp cloth. That pair of hands, with distinct joints, seemed carved from white jade. He glanced at the bandage on Shangjunnian's shoulder, smiling ambiguously: "Look, isn't this much better?"

Better?

Shang Junnian lowered his eyes to the scars on his body, a flicker of understanding crossing his gaze. Yes, if the other party desired intimacy, the bloody mess that was the wound on his shoulder would indeed be an unsightly and inconvenient sight.

As night deepened, it was time for sleep.

Shang Junnian hadn't forgotten why he had been brought to this room today. Though humiliated, he had resigned himself to his fate. In times of chaos, dignity and virtue were far less important than life itself, and both he and Zhao Yuzhang needed Lu Yan's protection.

His life had seen too many dramatic turnarounds, from a commoner in white robes to a high-ranking official, learning both strategy and the art of bowing before others.

Shang Junnian sat up from the bed, kneeling on the brocade quilt. He lowered his eyes, raised his hand to pay respects to Lu Yan, and said in a voice devoid of emotion, "May Your Highness show mercy."

Lu Yan paused mid-motion, drying his hands: "..."

Waiting for a response that didn't come, Shang Junnian's patience began to wane. The longer this dragged on, the more he feared he might regret his decision. After all, choosing to submit beneath another required considerable courage. His voice cold, he repeated, "May Your Highness show mercy," as if commanding an army.

A single person shouting with the might of a thousand soldiers.

Lu Yan remained unmoved: "..."

Shang Junnian finally lost his patience. Without warning, he seized Lu Yan's wrist, pulling him beneath him, looking down at him with a scowl. Black hair cascaded over his shoulders, and those slightly upturned fox-like eyes, which should have been filled with flirtatious charm, now held only anger and coldness:

"How indecisive you are, Your Highness!"