Chapter 22: The Sixth Prince is Angry

Chapter 22: The Sixth Prince is Angry

Wen Ruan passed his own doorstep without entering, hurrying back directly to Lai Feng Mountain.

The climate in the mountain was different from the outside world; the deeper they went, the less sunlight there was, and mist began to rise.

"It looks like it's going to rain," Nanxing said worriedly to her young master. "Perhaps I should go."

Wen Ruan shook his head. "No, you might not be able to recognize that kind of plant or know how to dig it up. It's just foggy, right? The rain hasn't started yet, has it? In the north, the rain is delayed; it may take one or two days to brew before it falls. Don't worry, I'm fine."

"But..."

"The directions said to follow the ditch facing south and walk north, turn right when you see the river, and there's a small canyon..." Wen Ruan looked around but couldn't find it. "Where's the river? Nanxing, did you not guide me properly?"

Nanxing: ...

She pointed in a direction. "This way."

Her young master was perfect in every way except for his sense of direction...

"I knew it!" Wen Ruan's eyes shone as he looked over. "Nanxing, you're really amazing!"

Nanxing almost choked on her cough.

Wen Ruan spoke slowly. "So for the next batch of homework, double it. You can do it."

Thank you!

Nanxing knew her little thoughts had been discovered and didn't dare to resist. She followed her young master silently and soon heard his surprised voice.

"Wow—it's here! They really are them!"

Wen Ruan was delighted, recognizing the same plant that Li Yue'e always carried with her. It was also the one he had seen in thick stacks of documents but still didn't know the name of. But he knew, "With these, our corn yield will double, no problem!"

"Really?" Nanxing was also excited. Her young master never exaggerated. If he said it would double, it would more than double. "Then we... Young Master, don't move."

She suddenly heard an unusual sound.

Wen Ruan immediately became alert. Was someone trying to steal this plant? Such a powerful thing, it was normal for people to covet it. He quickly whispered to Nanxing, "Go check it out!"

Nanxing: ...

She wanted to say that apart from her young master, no one would care about these 'broken grasses' growing everywhere in the mountains. If anyone did, they would have been gone long ago, not grown until now.

But her young master's safety was most important, and she indeed needed to check it out.

"Young Master, stay here. Don't move."

After quietly instructing Wen Ruan, she turned around and ran off into the distance.

Young Master was always guarding against something, thinking she didn't know. She didn't know everything, but she could guess and think. There must be great danger lurking around Young Master, and he didn't want her to know so she wouldn't be implicated. The more so, the more she needed to pay attention, but there was no need to tell Young Master.

Wen Ruan controlled his excitement, not making too much noise, and circled around the plants. There was a large area, very many! He carefully touched the leaves of the plant, cherishing them immensely.

Nanxing took a long time to return.

Wen Ruan was worried about any accidents. Thinking that he mustn't involve these little darlings, he decided to move away himself. Before confirming whether the environment was safe, they had to be safe.

He came out very cautiously, and very coincidentally and unfortunately, he saw the masked man.

Sure enough, he couldn't hold back anymore?

Wen Ruan felt that with his own speed, he probably couldn't escape. He decisively squatted behind a large tree, thinking about his next strategy. As long as the other party couldn't kill him at first sight, he would have time to negotiate terms. What words could immediately intimidate the other party, and what conditions would make them listen?

He quickly turned his brain, staring tightly at the figure not far away, then... he saw a thrilling fight.

It was the Sixth Prince, Zhu Yan.

He held a short sword, attacking the masked man fiercely. Every move was full of power, ruthlessness, and killing intent. The masked man's martial arts were clearly not weak, and he didn't die instantly. Moreover, the masked man had reinforcements; he imitated the call of a night owl, and soon five people gathered around Zhu Yan.

Zhu Yan didn't retreat a single step. He held that sword and slaughtered all around, his figure agile like a swimming dragon, the sword tip revealing cold light. Blood splattered wherever he went. Although it took some time, he killed everyone without getting injured himself.

Drops of blood flowed from the tip of his sword, and the murderous aura permeated his eyebrows and eyes, even making his lips appear brighter in color.

Wen Ruan watched as Zhu Yan kicked away the corpses in disgust, pulled out a handkerchief, and wiped the blood off the sword blade calmly. "Come out."

Two words, not heavy in tone, but carrying deadly danger.

Was this... directed at him?

Wen Ruan didn't feel there was anyone else around and slowly walked out.

When Zhu Yan saw it was him, he was clearly surprised. "You?"

Wen Ruan: "...Thanks?"

You saved my life!

They stared at each other, pondering the perplexing scene. Before they could say anything, there was movement at the edge of the forest, and another group of masked men approached. Judging by the footsteps, there were clearly more than one.

Wen Ruan: "I'll go over there—"

Zhu Yan: "Scum, get lost—"

Before the words were finished, their eyes met.

Wen Ruan suspected the danger might be aimed at him. This time, there were more people, but indeed, things around him hadn't been peaceful in recent years. Something would happen every once in a while. He didn't want to involve innocent people, so he thought if he was the target, he should deal with it himself. He moved forward to lead those people away, not wanting the Sixth Prince to be in danger... but was that any way for the Sixth Prince to talk?

How could you say I have no part in protecting you, you actually look at me as if you don't want me near, and politely suggest I go die? At least be a bit more courteous, okay?

He suddenly defied all reason: "I'm not leaving."

The other party actually spoke up as well: "Hide well."

Again, they spoke in unison.

Wen Ruan: ...

What's your game? What do you want? Do you even care who gets caught in the crossfire?

Wen Ruan felt a twinge of conscience again. He couldn't just let someone get hurt, but Zhu Yan was stubborn. Once he made a decision, there was no changing it. Holding a sword still stained with blood, Zhu Yan's gaze was unwavering. Wen Ruan didn't dare to defy him and, under his watchful eyes, retreated back behind the tree.

The masked men soon surrounded them again, this time eight in number. Wen Ruan watched as Zhu Yan once again dominated the battlefield. While fighting, he either chased or evaded his opponents, gradually moving further away. Slowly, Wen Ruan lost sight of him. Then, even the sounds of battle faded into the distance, the group vanishing far beyond reach.

You're quite something, aren't you?

Squatting behind the tree, Wen Ruan realized that perhaps he had misunderstood. These people weren't after him; they were after the Sixth Prince. Why else would the Sixth Prince be here if not for being pursued?

Perhaps when he was initially dismissed as worthless and told to leave, it was to ensure his safety, to avoid involving him in danger?

Later, when Zhu Yan changed his mind and wouldn't let him go, was it because the Sixth Prince noticed his discontent and feared that, driven by emotion, he might cause trouble, making it easier to keep an eye on him?

Was this Sixth Prince a fool? In the face of danger, being ambushed and pursued, he didn't head towards the city where help could be found. Instead, he fled into the depths of the forest, where there was no one to turn to. What would happen if he met his end here?

Not a good temper, but full of character, adept at stirring up trouble, courting death.

Truly worthy of being the Sixth Prince.

Wen Ruan considered leaving, but now, his location was the safest place. He was also worried about the Sixth Prince and feared Nanxing wouldn't find him if he left. So, he stayed, occasionally glancing into the distance, his anxiety growing.

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, squatting so long he felt like mushrooms might sprout around him, neither Nanxing nor the Sixth Prince returned.

Just as he decided to leave, the Sixth Prince reappeared.

"You're still here?"

"..." Wen Ruan stood up straight. "I have business here. I wasn't waiting for you."

Zhu Yan grunted in acknowledgment, but it was clear he didn't believe him.

Wen Ruan: "I—"

This mountain seemed to clash with his destiny. Before he could utter another word, someone approached.

Another masked man, dressed in dark robes, with sleeves bound tightly. Upon meeting, he launched a lethal attack, leaving no room for any movement.

Again?

Wen Ruan was surprised, and seemingly so was Zhu Yan, but he immediately raised his sword to meet the challenge.

If the previous battles were within Zhu Yan's control, allowing him to handle them calmly, this time was clearly out of his grasp. Although only one masked man arrived, he matched the strength of the entire previous group. His martial arts were exceedingly high, making him incredibly difficult to deal with. And the target of his sword—

Was aimed directly at Wen Ruan.

Wen Ruan: ...

This was it. They were truly after him!

Few in number, but precise and troublesome.

The masked man's moves were viciously cunning, employing a reckless style that disregarded his own life. Zhu Yan had to fend off the enemy while also protecting Wen Ruan behind him, inevitably putting him at a disadvantage. When two equally matched opponents clash, killing one is much harder than protecting one.

The killer has no qualms, but the protector must think more carefully. Soon, the Sixth Prince was wounded.

Would Zhu Yan continue to help him?

Wen Ruan felt this wasn't a favorable exchange.

He sensed that he might die here today.

He couldn't sit idly by and wait for his fate. He ran, but it was futile. Without martial arts skills, the black-clad man relentlessly pursued him, throwing projectiles. Wen Ruan slipped, fell, and tumbled down a small slope, clinging to the protruding roots of a tree to prevent a worse fall.

"Die!"

As the masked man leaped forward, his sword aimed to slice Wen Ruan's throat, a shadow flashed before Wen Ruan's eyes, swift as lightning, fast as the wind. It was unclear whether it was Zhu Yan's sword or Zhu Yan himself.

Warm liquid splattered against his cheek, pungent and sweet—the blood of a human.

Gale winds stirred, leaves scattered, whose hair gently brushed past, soft as silk, yet icy cold.

"Have you asked me if you can kill my people!"

Zhu Yan seemed enraged.

...

The Duke's Mansion was extremely dissatisfied with the banquet held a few days ago. The presence of unwelcome guests cut the event short, leaving the guests without a meal. Of course, they weren't pleased.

More infuriating was that all the meticulously prepared items were wasted, as the guests never got to see them. The only things they could discuss were the flower arrangements and the grasshoppers made from straw, along with the 'Bountiful Harvest' display and the small wine jars that hadn't been discarded after drinking. These were hardly topics fit for polite conversation!

The mansion wasn't sure if Wen Ruan had truly caught the Sixth Prince's attention, but his unwillingness to share the soap-making formula was evident. As someone who had returned from outside, he showed no loyalty to his family. Wasn't it time to show him some consequences?

You bear the Wen name, yet you think the Duke's Mansion won't benefit from your endeavors? How absurd!

In their attempts to control Wen Ruan and make him understand what it meant to be 'family,' everyone in the Duke's Mansion shared a common interest. No one opposed it. Through subtle and indirect means, they reached a consensus and found the perfect direction. They dispatched the most suitable person—to meddle with the fields on Wen Ruan's estate.

Aren't you pretending to be above it all, disinterested in fame and wealth, caring for nothing but farming?

Then we'll pull out your seedlings. Let's see if you dare to be disobedient again!

At the Second Prince's residence, Yu Zhen was indeed punished by the Second Prince for his incompetence at the Moon Old Man Temple, leaving him seething with anger.

Regardless of whether he had true abilities or not, he was someone who cherished his face above all else. Having lost face in front of Wen Ruan, he was determined to make up for it. The Second Prince wouldn't allow it, and that old coot Chen Gen was watching from the side, so he couldn't act openly. But why not do it covertly?

It was also a coincidence that he had just sent people out to gather information when news came that the Duke's mansion was about to make a move. How could he not add fuel to the fire?

Let's burn the fields and pull out the seedlings together! Pull them all out, and let that young master cry his heart out!