Chapter 285: The Young Eunuch of the Regent Prince (12)

Chapter 285: The Young Eunuch of the Regent Prince (12)

Song Chuyi tried to pull his hand back, but it was tightly held by Ying Cheng'an's grip.

He could feel the firmness and warmth of his fingers.

And that unyielding dominance that brooked no defiance.

Song Chuyi blinked lightly, "Sir?"

Ying Cheng'an chuckled softly, tightening his hold on Song Chuyi's hand.

"The lantern riddle party will be even more lively tonight."

"Let's eat something first now."

The food had already been served. Unlike the extravagance of Tai'an Manor, what was laid out on the table were mostly local delicacies.

Song Chuyi was immediately captivated by these snacks, responding happily.

He didn't mind that Ying Cheng'an was openly holding him in his arms.

While commoners might not recognize the masked Regent Prince, Ying Cheng'an's subordinates naturally could.

Ying Cheng'an's bold actions also declared something.

Rumors among the subordinates had already spread that their master was thoroughly bewitched by the young eunuch.

Although they liked the young eunuch too, he was ultimately the Emperor's man.

Having been raised in the palace since a young age, the little eunuch's loyalty naturally lay with the little emperor.

Should the little emperor come of age one day, the master may find it difficult to remain in the capital.

What will become of the little eunuch then?

No one knows the answer, or perhaps they dare not think too deeply about it.

The subordinates who had served him for many years knew their master’s personality well.

If the little eunuch betrayed him, the consequences would likely befall not just the little eunuch.

All silently hoped that the little eunuch, who was currently being favored by their master, would not betray him.

As he ate, Song Chuyi could feel the faint scrutiny, but fortunately, there was no malice in those gazes.

So he simply ignored them.

After resting for a while at the inn, Song Chuyi couldn’t sit still anymore.

The streets were so lively, and he really wanted to go out and enjoy himself!

But Ying Chengan sat there unmoved, with no intention of moving at all.

With this in mind, Song Chuyi tugged at Ying Chengan’s sleeve.

"My lord, I want to go out and play."

His voice was soft and carried a hint of coquettishness.

The little eunuch seemed to have grasped the regent's thoughts, becoming even more unrestrained in his spoiled behavior.

Ying Chengan was indeed very susceptible to this kind of tactic.

He pinched the little eunuch's cheek, "Still not enough."

Song Chuyi leaned forward slightly, his fingertip lightly tapping on Ying Chengan's chest.

"Sir, how about we go down and have some fun?"

Ying Chengan grabbed the little eunuch's restless hand, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.

"Sure."

He helped the little eunuch to his feet and led him out of the tavern.

Time passed quickly, and dusk was soon upon them.

The lantern riddles had quietly begun underway.

Like a horse that had been set loose, Song Chuyi let go of Ying Chengan's hand and wandered among the riddles.

His mind was working quickly, solving one riddle after another, causing a bit of a stir.

The handsome little eunuch, surrounded by the crowd, displayed a brilliant smile.

It outshone the gradually darkening night, like a sun shining on Ying Chengan.

On the outskirts of the crowd, Ying Chengan watched with a faint smile in his eyes.

The little eunuch was even smarter than he had imagined.

These weren't riddles just anyone could solve.

In the center of the crowd, Song Chuyi obtained the reward for solving the lantern riddles and pushed his way through the crowd to Ying Chengan's side.

"Sir, I've got it!"

He handed the inscribed scroll to Ying Chengan.

"This is the prize for first place."

Ying Chengan smiled slightly, "Didn't you open it to check?"

"Huh?" Song Chuyi slowly unfolded the inscribed scroll as Ying Chengan suggested.

The bold, flowing characters caught his eye.

"Joy and Peace."

The brushstrokes were sharp, like a general who makes quick decisions, walking back after victory to tell him to "be joyful and peaceful."

It wasn't just a blessing, but a form of absolute protection.

In the lower left corner of the inscription was a small seal—Ying Chengan's private seal.

Song Chuyi looked up in surprise, "Is this your inscription, sir?"

"Mm-hmm." Ying Chengan replied lightly, "Are you still planning to give it to me?"

Song Chuyi rolled up the inscription and said with a smile.

"I'm not giving it away."

"I'm going to cherish it."

He hugged the inscription to his chest, "Sir, is there anything else you'd like to see?"

On New Year's Eve, the night market was still open, and they could wander around until early morning if they wanted.

Moreover, there'd be no early court session tomorrow, so they could sleep in a bit.

As Song Chuyi was thinking, Ying Chengan tapped his forehead.

"Let's go back."

"Alright." Song Chuyi felt slightly disappointed, "Sir, let me take you back."

Ying Chengan looked at him with a half-smile, "Take me back?"

"What? You're planning to leave after we get back to Tai'an Mansion?"

His tone became slightly menacing.

"No, no! Absolutely not!" Song Chuyi quickly denied.

"Haha, I was just kidding."

He took Ying Chengan's hand.

"Let's head back together, sir."

A hint of satisfaction crossed Ying Chengan's face.

The two walked against the crowd.

After a few steps, they entered a secluded alley.

Song Chuyi released Ying Chengan's hand and walked a few steps forward, holding the inscription, walking on his own shadow.

The red string on his wrist accentuated his snow-white, unusually delicate skin.

Ying Chengan slowly walked up, raised an eyebrow, and spoke.

"What's up?"

Song Chuyi pointed to a closed shop nearby, "This is the specialty pastry shop the coachman told us about."

"Too bad it's not open tonight."

Ying Chengan knew the little eunuch was peculiar; the delicacies of Tai'an Mansion couldn't satisfy him.

But these earthly foods were more to the little eunuch's liking.

"I'll send someone to buy some tomorrow."

The howling wind carried a chilling intent as soon as the voice faded.

An arrow cut through the wind and shot straight toward Ying Chengan.

Song Chuyi’s eyes widened, and his body moved swiftly, standing in front of Ying Chengan to block him.

Ying Chengan reacted even faster, grabbing him to dodge the arrow.

But the arrow was too fast. The arrowhead pierced the top of the inscribed hat, hitting Song Chuyi's shoulder precisely.

Song Chuyi's face turned pale, and he muttered two words.

"Poisoned."

Ying Chengan held him tightly, his expression dark, as he used his lightness skill to rush toward Tai'an Mansion.

In just a moment, he arrived at Tai'an Mansion with Song Chuyi in his arms.

It wasn’t long before the royal physician was brought by the undercover guards.

The old royal physician hadn't even caught his breath when Ying Chengan grabbed him by the collar and pulled him to the bedside.

"Save him."

Two cold words.

A heavy atmosphere filled the room, as if death could occur at any moment.

The old royal physician didn’t even have time to wipe the sweat off his forehead, quickly beginning to diagnose the unconscious Song Chuyi.

At that moment, although Song Chuyi's body was unconscious, his mind was still awake as he poked the little white bun in his consciousness.

"Do you know what happens if coffee is poisoned?"

Xiaotong: "What happens?"

Song Chuyi: "Toxic coffee."

Xiaotong: "?"

Song Chuyi let out a silent sigh.

Damn it! He was about to become toxic coffee.