Chapter 37 Do you think I’m going to kiss you?

Chapter 37 Do you think I'm going to kiss you?

Zhu Yan, having returned once more to the side courtyard at the front, slowly removed his crimson gauze robe and hung it on the folding screen. Then, he picked up the whip beside him, and with a 'crack' —

He lashed it through the air, producing a sharp sound as he aimed fiercely at Shi Muyun.

Shi Muyun reacted with incredible speed, as if he was accustomed to such occurrences and had anticipated this move. He leaped away to dodge, but only just; the corner of his robe wasn't so fortunate, getting mercilessly snatched by the whip.

"How dare you... Uh, did I interrupt something? Is the young master upset? I'll go apologize with a kiss right now—"

"Snap—"

The whip fell again, lashing the floor inches before his feet. Had he not stopped in time, his foot would have been history.

Shi Muyun: ...

Staring at his toes, he slapped his forehead hard. "Darn it! What am I doing? Your young master is your responsibility to pacify!"

He turned around, eyeing the Sixth Prince suspiciously. "Can you do it?"

Zhu Yan: "Shut up."

Shi Muyun: "Your Highness, don't shun medical advice out of fear of your illness. If there's anything you don't understand, tell me. I have had my fair share of close female friends, and I've seen through the matters of love in this world—"

Zhu Yan closed his eyes momentarily: "W-h-a-t i-s g-o-i-n-g o-n a-g-a-i-n?"

Shi Muyun, knowing when to be tactful, immediately pointed to the small room inside: "He vomited, but he asked specifically to see you, to only speak with you. I'm not qualified enough."

Zhu Yan gave him a cold glance, as if finding him utterly useless: What good are you?

Nor did he let go of the whip in his hand, the prince entered with his weapon.

Before long, he emerged.

Drops of blood fell from the tip of the whip.

Shi Muyun: "No confession?"

Zhu Yan: "He confessed."

Shi Muyun: "Where is he?"

Zhu Yan: "He's dead."

Shi Muyun: ...

"Alright then."

Their acquisition of this person was purely by chance, and his identity was exceedingly delicate. He was an individual their faction had intended to deal with; there was absolutely no way he could testify on their behalf in the future. Moreover, he was already gravely ill and poisoned, destined not to live for more than a few days.

"Shall I then... leave after tidying up?"

Zhu Yan: "What else? Waiting for me to invite you to dinner?"

Shi Muyun: ...

So there isn't, right?

"Can't I even say hello to the young master?"

Zhu Yan glanced at him. "What do you think?"

"So you like him this much, with such possessiveness that you don't even want others to take a glance." Shi Muyun felt greatly relieved; this Sixth Prince was finally showing some human emotions.

Zhu Yan: "Are you always so arrogant?"

Shi Muyun: "Hm?"

"How could it be possible to like someone?" Zhu Yan slightly raised his eyes, looking towards the horizon. "I've come this far not for the sake of liking anyone. I don't need it either."

Shi Muyun: "Young Master is intelligent and endowed with grace..."

Zhu Yan: "Indeed, no one in this world is worthy of him, but I, am worthy of everything."

Shi Muyun: ...

How many years are you going to be stubborn? Very well, I'll wait for the day you eat your words!

You will surely taste the bitterness of love! Let the young master torment you!

Wen Ruan was currently hugging Heigou Dao Dao, leaning against the cushions as he read a letter.

He received the letter this morning when he went out. At that time, he didn't have the chance to read it and hastily tucked it into his bosom. Unexpectedly, he now had the time to carefully unfold and read it.

It was from Young Master Huo.

The letter said that this time, coming to the capital city, he originally planned to spend more time with the young master, having arranged all sorts of dining and entertainment plans. Alas, an unexpected incident occurred, leaving him very busy recently. It seemed he wouldn't have the time to visit the young master... The root cause was still due to business warfare.

Two years ago, Wen Ruan was troubled by summer clothing, discovering a gap in the market for Xiangyun gauze. He made great efforts to recall the production process related to it, explaining it to Huo Xuning while also pouring considerable thought into modifying the looms.

His goal back then was straightforward: to improve the production speed of textiles, develop fabrics better suited to the seasons, benefiting everyone while also making his own life more convenient—a win-win situation with no downsides. The Huo family conducted their business with benevolence and integrity, their principles aligning perfectly with those of their partners, leading to a prosperous trade route in Jiang Nan. While it might be an overstatement to attribute the flourishing commerce solely to them, they certainly played a significant role.

When something good is developed, it's natural to promote it far and wide. The revolution in textile machinery had a considerable impact on the industry, akin to a minor upgrade. In the long term, this change would benefit all, but in the short term, there were bound to be those who suffered losses—like some weavers who were less informed, held different stances, or were unwilling to embrace new technologies. Clinging to their old looms at home, they couldn't keep up with the pace and quality required, inevitably earning less as a result.

The Huo family wasn't incapable of addressing these issues; they had encountered and resolved similar challenges countless times before. Spending more money during this period was nothing out of the ordinary—it was merely an initial investment. Once the industry matured, they could recoup their costs. They had numerous strategies at their disposal, such as lending out weaving machines to the weavers for free, providing free training, and setting reasonable timeframes and quotas. If the weavers could supply sufficient quantities of qualified products, not only would the Huo family purchase them at the agreed-upon fair price, but they would also waive the rental fee. As long as the quality was assured, they could even sign a contract, allowing the Huo family to exclusively purchase all their output. From selecting raw materials like silk threads to choosing fabric designs, and ensuring sales channels for the finished textiles, the Huo family provided comprehensive support, freeing the weavers from any worries.

In Jiang Nan, the industry spread rapidly and prosperously. The weavers were all cooperative, and in fact, they earned even more money. They looked forward to the sale of these new fabrics every day, the industry brimming with vitality.

But now, in the capital city, things were different.

In the capital, there were merchants of the capital, each with their own vested interests. The market was only so big, and if the Huo family took it all, what would they eat? Unable to find effective strategies to respond, and unable to come up with superior competing products, they resorted to underhanded tactics.

They began to nitpick at the Huo family's operations. Since they couldn't touch the business channels, they went through the official channels, such as missing paperwork or unobtained permits. Whatever the Huo family did, they found ways to obstruct them. For things the Huo family hadn't covered comprehensively, they obstructed even more. In short, what others could get away with, the Huo family could not.

There was also the matter of the weavers. They attacked the Huo family for "destroying people's livelihoods," accusing them of inhumane business practices and harming lives. They stirred up rumors among the common folk and even reported them to the authorities.

The capital, due to its special location, had an atmosphere unlike that of the provinces and counties. It wasn't uncommon for merchants and officials to have intertwined interests, and they were particularly adept at playing this game compared to other places.

Indeed, the Huo family's shops had been doing good business recently, making a lot of money and bringing a lively atmosphere to the business world. But what did it matter now? Huo Xuning still had to deal with these troubles, wave after wave, everywhere he turned.

After reading the letter, Wen Ruan lowered his eyes slightly, his long lashes like crow feathers falling down, unmoving for a long time.

He didn't believe that these merchants of the capital couldn't see the benefits of industrial upgrading. The higher one stood, the clearer one saw the long-term benefits of such a move. But because they couldn't have a monopoly on it, or because they were unwilling to give up their current profits, they chose to bully newcomers, driving them out, preferring to maintain the status quo rather than develop.

Compared to the polite friendship match between Second Huo and Lady Liang, this was a real, blood-spilling business war.

"Woof!"

Seeing him motionless for so long, Dog came over to rub against him.

"It's okay, good boy," Wen Ruan rubbed Dog's neck. "We're both so capable, we'll figure it out, won't we?"

Second Huo wasn't one to be bullied. As the next head of the Huo family, his path to where he was today hadn't been smooth sailing. This was just another test of his mettle, and Wen Ruan believed in his friend's strength.

The Sixth Prince had returned.

Unlike the previous two times, his steps were particularly light this time, more like a leisurely stroll. His water-red gauze robe fluttered and rolled with his movements, truly making him seem like a jade-like gentleman, unparalleled in the world.

Wen Ruan seemed to understand. "Your Highness has finished your business?"

Zhu Yan: ...

His sharp gaze fell on Dog, who was lying beside Wen Ruan, his entire body pressed against him, his chin even resting on Wen Ruan's thigh in an overly familiar manner.

Wen Ruan gently stroked Dog's head. "It's very well-behaved, not causing any trouble at all."

With such treatment, how dare it cause trouble?

Zhu Yan's expressionless face extended a leg, giving Dog's butt a kick.

It wasn't hard, but the intent to drive him away was clear.

"Woof—woof woof woof!"

Dog clearly wasn't willing, grumbling as he got up, lingering by Wen Ruan before reluctantly and grumpily leaving.

Wen Ruan: ...

"What is it saying?" It seemed to be expressing rich emotions.

Zhu Yan: "Its ambition has been particularly strong recently. Every day, it runs several extra laps around the courtyard, hoping to hunt faster and more accurately next time."

"Wow—" Wen Ruan's eyes sparkled. "Dog is really amazing!"

Zhu Yan: ...

"You're afraid of me."

Wen Ruan: "...Why does Your Highness say that?"

Zhu Yan's eyes were deep and calm. "You even praise the dog."

But you don't dare to praise me.

Clearly, I'm so amazing.

Wen Ruan: ...

"Not at all."

"But?"

"But I've only known Your Highness for a short time, we're not very familiar with each other, yet we've already decided on our engagement," Wen Ruan said. "Back in the cave, we even discussed a contract, taking those pills. Thinking about it now..."

Zhu Yan: "Was it the right decision?"

Wen Ruan: "It was a loss."

I shouldn't have taken those pills.

Zhu Yan suddenly laughed, the corners of his lips lifting, his chest vibrating. It was a genuine smile, reaching his eyes.

"You really do have a lot of guts."

Wen Ruan, however, felt that this fiancé was truly handsome, especially when he smiled. It was like the melting of snow on a mountain peak, warm sunlight entering the heart, the beauty of the first clear day after a snowfall.

"Your Highness should smile more often."

Zhu Yan, however, stopped smiling and handed something over. "This is for you."

Wen Ruan took it and his eyes widened. It was actually a deed, not just anywhere, but right here on Lai Peak Mountain, near his estate!

"This is...the Pan family's estate?"

Wouldn't it connect to his estate then!

Given the enormity of the Pan family's crimes, had the Sixth Prince deliberately fought for this benefit for him?

Zhu Yan handed over another item. "This one too."

Wen Ruan's eyes widened even more as he exclaimed, "Your, your estate?"

Indeed, with his own estate nearby on Mount Lai, plus the Pan family's, and now the Sixth Prince's, wouldn't the entire Mount Lai be under his control?

"But I'll still live there," Zhu Yan emphasized. "My residence will always be preserved in the mansion; I want to come and go as I please forever."

Wen Ruan: "Of course! Your Highness can stay whenever you like! Nothing in the estate needs to change; just let me farm the land!"

As long as he could have land to cultivate crops, as long as he could work without interference, planting whatever he wanted, he would turn Mount Lai into his experimental base!

Zhu Yan: "Are you happy now?"

"Mm-hm!"

After nodding, Wen Ruan happily put away the deed before pausing and turning to look at Zhu Yan. "Well, actually, I'm not someone with particularly materialistic desires. I didn't intend to covet Your Highness' good things..."

But before he could finish, he felt even more deflated. What kind of person would say such words... wasn't this making him seem even more like a freeloader?

"What kind of good thing is this?" Zhu Yan seemed to disdain his shallow nature, not wanting anything truly valuable. "Get up, I'll show you around."

"Okay." Wen Ruan stood up. When they were outside earlier, the Sixth Prince had arrived too quickly for him to properly appreciate the scenery.

With the Sixth Prince's aura calm and peaceful beside him, like a beast that had been fed and well-soothed, lacking any aggression, Wen Ruan felt more at ease. He asked questions about everything new and interesting he saw, like who came up with the idea for this beautiful sight? Who put so much thought into that unique feature? Wow, that one was even more impressive, the more he looked at it, the more he appreciated its taste!

Zhu Yan's answers were simple, either 'just a small path' or 'nothing special.' In his eyes, these were all things that should be done, and he was even critical of them for not being outstanding enough.

As Wen Ruan admired the scenery and chatted, he slowly began to perceive subtle changes in the Sixth Prince's expressions. Some were genuine disdain, true disinterest, while others were modesty... did he spend time preparing all this himself?

And then there was the patience to accompany him on this leisurely stroll. The Sixth Prince must care about this marriage, even if it happened by chance and not with the person he truly desired. He was willing to give it thought and respect.

A breeze blew, scattering petals.

Amidst the flowers, the scent wafted gently, and smiles seemed to carry the warmth of spring.

Suddenly, Zhu Yan asked, "Do you want to move in here?"

Wen Ruan: "Huh?"

"You seem to really like it here," Zhu Yan said calmly. "Move in tomorrow?"

Wen Ruan: ...

"Your Highness, we haven't gotten married yet."

"Really not moving in?"

"It wouldn't be right."

Wen Ruan shook his head, only to suddenly see Zhu Yan approach, his large hand reaching towards his hair—

Instinctively, he took two steps back. "What are you doing, Your Highness?"

Zhu Yan glanced at the petal he had plucked from between his fingers, then suddenly raised his eyebrows and closed in again. "What were you expecting?"

It turned out he was just helping him remove the petal from his hair...

Wen Ruan's ears turned red. "N-nothing."

But Zhu Yan blocked his path, trapping him against the wall. "Did you think I would kiss you? Hmm?"

Their breaths mingled, their clothes entangled, the atmosphere thick with ambiguity.

Wen Ruan steeled himself. "In our cooperation, intimacy shouldn't be included, right?"

Zhu Yan's slender fingers caressed his soft hair. "Do you think I would want to be intimate with you?"

Wen Ruan: "Well, no..."

"A-Ruan," Zhu Yan's fingertips brushed over his back, his lips almost touching. "If it weren't for these pipa bones..."

Wen Ruan closed his eyes. "Okay, okay, I was wrong, alright! It was my mistake to misunderstand Your Highness. You're a gentleman of the highest caliber, with exquisite taste and unparalleled grace. How could you possibly want to be intimate with someone as insignificant and ordinary as me! You won't ever want to kiss me in this lifetime!"

Zhu Yan: ...

"A-Ruan."

"Hmm?" Wen Ruan opened his eyes.

Zhu Yan: "There's nothing wrong with longing for someone; it's a testament to their charm..."

So?

Wen Ruan's eyes widened.

Zhu Yan: "I allow you to think about these things."

Wen Ruan: ...

"Your Highness, rest assured, I won't think about it either! Your Highness has the bearing of a dragon and the elegance of a phoenix, an aura naturally bestowed by heaven. How could just anyone dare to harbor such thoughts? I absolutely won't want to get close to Your Highness, and I will always abide by propriety. I won't ever want to kiss Your Highness in this lifetime!"

Zhu Yan: ...

He shouldn't have let those lips speak such infuriating words; he should have found something to silence them.

The Sixth Prince ran his tongue over his canine teeth, staring at Wen Ruan for a long time before finally letting him go.

"There will be times when you'll cry later."

...

Wen Ruan felt that the day spent at the Sixth Prince's residence wasn't bad, except for those one or two incomprehensible threats. After returning home, he had a good sleep. In his dreams, apart from the Sixth Highness's unreasonable explanation of the frightening threats, there was only the matter he had been thinking about during the day—the danger facing the Huo family and how to resolve the issue with the weavers in the capital.

He hated the collusion between officials and merchants the most, especially corrupt officials, who were utterly disgusting.

Upon waking up in the morning, he changed his previous plan. With the money in hand and land secured, it was time to rush back to the estate and start planting!

After quickly washing up and changing clothes, just as he was about to dash out, he noticed someone standing at the door.

"Sixth Highness?"

The other party was raising their hand, in a position to knock on the door, indicating they had just arrived. Wen Ruan was quite surprised. "Why are you here?"

Zhu Yan: "Since you don't want to live in the prince's residence with me, I have no choice but to come over myself."

Wen Ruan felt he hadn't correctly understood the meaning behind these words. "Highness is... going to stay at the Duke's residence?"

Zhu Yan: "Is that not allowed?"

Wen Ruan: ...

It wasn't a matter of whether it was allowed; this wasn't something he could decide.

"In order to prevent someone from secretly disposing of the medicine, I must personally supervise," Zhu Yan said calmly. "I don't want to gain a bad reputation for harming my wife."

Wen Ruan: ...

Did you have few bad reputations? Why haven't you cared about them before?

"I remembered I didn't splash the water for washing my face... Highness, please wait a moment."

Wen Ruan slammed the door shut and quickly ran back into the inner room, downing the hidden bowl of medicine in one go. The bitterness made his entire face scrunch up. He gritted his teeth, wiped his face, patted it, smiled, and then calmly walked towards the door, opening it again. "Highness—"

Zhu Yan: "Come out, take me for a walk."

Wen Ruan: "Huh?"

Zhu Yan's gaze swept over the youth's clear eyes and soft lips. "Do you hope I will stay here?"

Definitely not. Wen Ruan immediately came out. "I'll accompany Highness for a stroll around."

Zhu Yan watched as the youth passed him and walked ahead, also noticing the red mark on the youth's neck. "This place isn't good, there are mosquitoes."

Wen Ruan: "Highness noticed so quickly? Mosquitoes are indeed annoying, leaving itchy and painful bites..."

Zhu Yan: "Why don't you move to my residence—"

Wen Ruan immediately said, "I can overcome it. Please follow me, Highness!"

He led the Sixth Prince on a tour of the Duke's residence. He couldn't enter the inner courtyard, nor would he venture into the territory of the second branch. He only wandered around the public areas outside the front courtyard, and the more he walked, the more he realized that nothing compared to the prince's residence. There was almost nothing praiseworthy.

"What is that place?" Zhu Yan suddenly pointed towards the Rose Garden.

Wen Ruan looked over, and indeed, it stood out. It could be considered the only decent courtyard on the elder branch's side.

"It's the Rose Garden, once the courtyard of my parents. Apart from the rose flower wall, the environment inside is also quite nice."

"Why don't you live there?" Zhu Yan's tone carried a deeper meaning.

Of course, it was because he had just arrived and hadn't yet found a way to reclaim it. Aunt Zhou occupied it, and she wouldn't simply return it to him without a fight.

However, this wasn't something easy to explain, so Wen Ruan had to gather his thoughts. Before he could speak, Zhu Yan said, "I want to stay in this Rose Garden."

His wish... was fulfilled just like that?

Wen Ruan knew in his heart that even if the Sixth Prince said he wanted to come and stay, he wouldn't be there every day. It was just an excuse to drop by anytime without being restrained. However, due to his noble status, if he wanted the Rose Garden, Aunt Zhou couldn't refuse. Once given, how could he possibly ask for it back later?

Moreover, this place didn't belong to Aunt Zhou in the first place.

"Alright, but we must inform Second Uncle's mother. She manages the household affairs, and all arrangements must be made by her."

The Sixth Prince's status was exalted, and even for a temporary residence, there would be no shortage of arrangements—various items and personnel...

Wen Ruan thought that this was a good opportunity to insert the people Huo Er had prepared for him.

"Greetings, Sixth Highness."

When turning a corner, he unexpectedly encountered someone—it was Wen Yu.

Wen Yu hadn't known that the Sixth Prince would come today. If he had known, he would have been even more cautious not to get close. In his past life, he deliberately approached to seek a better life, but this time, it was truly a coincidence. By the time he realized it, it was too late to avoid, so he could only bow in greeting.

Zhu Yan casually hummed in response.

Wen Yu got up and noticed that the Sixth Prince hadn't actually looked at him, which was normal. This person had never put anyone in his sights in his past life either.

Wen Ruan introduced, "This is my cousin, named Yu."

It seemed that only now did Zhu Yan look over, his eyes deep and scrutinizing. "Oh?"

Wen Yu was terrified. Wasn't he interested in him again! What would happen if the Sixth Prince broke off his engagement for him!

Zhu Yan: "I've seen you before."

"Yes," Wen Yu said, bracing himself. "During the banquet held in the residence last time, I, along with everyone else in the family, paid our respects to Highness."

He intentionally blurred the timeline, but Zhu Yan wouldn't make a mistake. This Wen Yu was the one who had splashed the Tu Su wine on him yesterday.

Now looking at him, his eyes flickered, indicating he had many tricks up his sleeve, but his trembling hands and quivering back suggested he didn't have much courage. How could such a person know his secret? Why?

Zhu Yan rarely acted hastily; he would only make a move when he was sure. This time, he merely glanced at Wen Yu and didn't say anything more. When Wen Yu excused himself, he didn't react much either.

Walking far away, Wen Yu let out a long sigh of relief.

Thankfully, the Sixth Prince didn't notice.

He and Jing Yuqing had agreed to have a game of Go and enjoy tea, and it was about time; he couldn't be late!

Having chosen the courtyard, Wen Ruan continued to show Zhu Yan around. As they wandered, he suddenly realized they were at the entrance? There was even a carriage for travel waiting there, with the driver all ready?

Zhu Yan looked at him: "Didn't you want to go out?"

Opening the door early in the morning, dressed in clothes for going out.

Wen Ruan suddenly came to his senses: "Did you figure it out? Are you coming with me?"

Zhu Yan raised an eyebrow: "Don't you want me to accompany you?"

"No, no, but I have things to do myself, Your Highness might get a bit bored."

"I also have my own matters."

"Well, Your Highness, don't say I didn't warn you!"

Wen Ruan didn't care anymore, getting into the carriage and heading straight for the estate outside the city.

Thinking about that vast land, soon to be planted with seeds, he was very excited. When he arrived, he was even more excited. He didn't have any thoughts for Zhu Yan, rolling up his trouser legs and heading into the fields, calling out to the people on the estate to prepare.

"That's Young Master? Young Master is back! Quickly, call everyone over, Young Master is back!"

"Master! The field you helped me look at, the crops have improved significantly! Your method really works!"

"And me! The leaves on my crops' edges aren't turning reddish-brown anymore, and the branches and leaves are stronger!"

"Mine has improved a lot too!"

"Young Master, are you here today for something? Just tell us what to do, Old Masters are all here!"

Wen Ruan responded cheerfully, replying to whoever spoke, answering every question. He didn't seem like a lofty young master of a noble house at all, yet the nobility in his demeanor wasn't diminished in the slightest, if anything, it was even greater.

The youth's eyes curved gently, his smiling lips approachable, like sunlight illuminating the earth, giving people direction and hope. Even dressed in the most ordinary ramie, with sleeves and trouser legs rolled up, who dared to look down on him, and who dared not respect him?

Zhu Yan liked seeing such a youth, the only dissatisfaction being that his wrists and ankles were too white, too slender.

They needed to be well-nourished.

It would be best to fatten him up a bit.