Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Yuncheng waited for a while, and when he was sure Zhong Yansheng had nothing more to say, he scratched his head and said, "Young Master, you haven't told me yet, what is the name of the person you're looking for, what does he look like, where does he live, and what is his status?"

Zhong Yansheng was speechless.

He knew nothing at all.

Everything in the dream was hazy; after waking up, he only remembered the general course of events. As for the information about the real young master, he knew nothing.

He couldn't ask Yuncheng to search for a needle in a haystack.

Zhong Yansheng pursed his lips and thought hard, struggling to dig out a few clues. He said dryly, "That person is currently staying in a villa in the capital outskirts. He is sick, has a somewhat special identity, and it's not convenient for him to see people."

Yuncheng looked at Zhong Yansheng, speechless.

Zhong Yansheng gazed sincerely at Yuncheng, feeling guilty under his gaze. After a moment, he added slowly, "The exact location, my father and mother should know."

Yuncheng was puzzled. "Then why don't you ask the Marquis and Lady directly?"

Zhong Yansheng opened his mouth, but suddenly felt an itch in his throat. He pressed his fist to his lips and began to cough violently, his pale face flushing with a sickly redness, his lips turning white, making one's heart tremble just to look at him.

Yuncheng was startled and quickly handed Zhong Yansheng a cup of hot tea, gently patting his back to help him breathe.

Originally, he was pretending to cough, but later it became genuinely painful. Zhong Yansheng coughed until stars danced before his eyes. After finally catching his breath, he sipped the tea to soothe his throat, his voice hoarse as he forced out a broken word, "Can't ask. You mustn't say anything in front of them."

Seeing him like this, Yuncheng dared not question further, assuring him nervously, "Yes, yes, Young Master, rest assured, I won't say a word!"

Zhong Yansheng felt somewhat satisfied. He glanced at the sky outside the window, seeing that it was getting late, and after finishing the last sip of hot tea, he dismissed Yuncheng, "Alright, go rest. I'm fine, no need to stay by my side."

Yuncheng didn't leave immediately. After observing for a while and confirming that Zhong Yansheng was truly fine, he picked up the book again, "Young Master, shall we burn the book?"

"No, let's not burn it." Zhong Yansheng decided to be magnanimous and spare the worthless book. "I want to be alone for a while. You can sleep on the couch outside."

After Yuncheng obediently went around the screen and left, Zhong Yansheng began to deeply ponder his plan.

There was still hope. Since he couldn't start with his parents, he would start with the real young master.

He planned to build a good relationship with the real young master, ease the tension between him and the Marquis Manor, and change his parents' attitude.

As he thought, he gradually nodded off, curling up in the blankets and falling asleep.

Perhaps because he had found a way to save the Marquis Manor, he wasn't plagued by nightmares this time and slept soundly.

The next morning, at the first hour of the day.

Yuncheng tiptoed around the screen, approached the bed, and didn't see the young master's head. After circling around and lifting the corner of the quilt, he found the boy curled up inside.

His face was flushed from sleep, breathing evenly.

Yuncheng smiled in relief and tiptoed away, stepping out of the room and exchanging a glance with the maid waiting outside. He whispered, "Still sleeping. Go in and keep watch."

After speaking, he headed to the kitchen to check on the medicine.

The kitchen wasn't far. Zhong Yansheng was very picky about food, and the Marquise doted on the young master, so she had a small kitchen set up in his courtyard. It was just a few steps away.

In the kitchen, smoke filled the air as they were simmering bird's nest porridge and boiling medicine. Seeing Yuncheng come in, the maids by the medicine pot asked, "Yuncheng, how is the young master? Is he feeling better?"

The young master was so beloved that everyone along the way asked about him. Yuncheng took a bite of a steamed bun, shook his head, and was about to speak when someone called from outside, "Yuncheng! Come, the Marquise wants to see you."

It was the chief maid by the Marquise's side.

Yuncheng hastily put down the half-eaten bun and followed the maid to the main hall, where he met the Marquise.

Early in the morning, the Marquise was already fully dressed, sitting by the window, staring blankly into space. She only snapped out of her trance when she heard footsteps, turning her head with a troubled expression, her eyes red-rimmed.

The Marquise had been like this for the past two days... she must be worried about the young master.

Yuncheng guessed as much and, hiding the content Zhong Yansheng forbade him to mention, respectfully recounted Zhong Yansheng's condition.

Hearing that Zhong Yansheng was mostly recovered, the Marquise's expression softened. She nodded, "Go back and take good care of Tiao'er. Don't be negligent."

Yuncheng bowed respectfully in agreement.

As he left, he heard the Marquise get up and chat with the maid, saying that the young master's recovery was thanks to the Buddha's protection, and they should go to the temple to repay their vows once he was better. This made Yuncheng feel a bit envious.

What a wonderful mother-son bond.

As he passed through the courtyard where the apricot blossoms were just beginning to bloom, vague snippets of conversation caught his ear.

Yuncheng's ears perked up, and he敏锐ly picked up on a few key words.

"... still claiming illness, unfit to receive visitors."

"… that person of special status in the capital …"

His steps paused, and Yuncheng listened carefully, recognizing the voice of the Marquis. Recalling the clues provided by Zhong Yansheng last night, his eyes lit up.

The young prince had said that only the marquis and his lady knew the whereabouts of that person.

Still unwell, and with a rather special status, it’s not convenient to see anyone!

Could the person speaking behind the wall not be the very one Young Master is looking for?

Yuncheng's heart raced. He looked around to make sure no one was nearby, then stealthily approached the wall, holding his breath and pressing his ear against it, making the sounds slightly clearer.

"... is currently staying at the villa in the capital outskirts... It's said that many people from the city have sent envoys to test the waters..."

Still staying in a villa on the outskirts of the capital!

Mother, everything matches up!

Last night, I thought the information was too vague, and there was an eighty percent chance we wouldn't find him. But who would have thought, it came so easily!

Worried about being caught eavesdropping, Yuncheng didn't dare stay any longer after hearing which villa it was. He lightened his steps and quickly slipped away.

Thus, he didn't hear what Marquis Huai'an said next.

"——What is His Highness King Ding plotting?"

The crease between Marquis Huai'an's brows deepened: "My lady, I am very worried."

Lady Huai'an's face also carried a hidden concern. In this secluded corner where no one could overhear, she fell silent for a moment before softly saying, "King Ding does not bear the surname Pei."

The only non-royal king in Great Yong, with immense power, does not bear the surname Pei.

The current imperial family bears the surname Pei.

It's one thing for the royal princes to vie openly and secretly; they are, after all, of royal blood.

But King Ding, a non-royal king, returned to the capital while the emperor was ill and had not attended court for a month. If he has any designs... it will lead to chaos in the realm.

Marquis Huai'an let out a long breath: "My lady, I feel that we shouldn't have come back to the capital."

While Marquis Huai'an was deeply worried, Yuncheng had already returned to Chunwu Garden with the hot, freshly overheard news, brimming with excitement.

Zhong Yansheng lay listlessly against the head of the bed, stirring the remaining half-bowl of bird's nest porridge, with little appetite. The attendant beside him gently coaxed, "This is the special bird's nest from the Eastern Sea that His Excellency specially sent someone to find for you to nourish your body. Would you eat a bit more?"

Zhong Yansheng's fingers tightened around the porcelain spoon.

In the past, he hadn't felt anything, but now he only felt... unworthy.

The young lord had an exceptionally handsome and beautiful face, with a pair of affectionate peach blossom eyes. When he lowered his gaze, the corners of his eyes were dark and moist, and his eyelashes fluttered like butterflies, making him especially endearing.

Faced with such a striking presence, the attendant's resolve wavered: "If, if you really don't want to..."

Just then, Yuncheng burst into the room: "Young Master!"

Hearing the unusual tone in Yuncheng's voice, Zhong Yansheng's spirits lifted. He pushed aside his chaotic thoughts, met Yuncheng's gaze, slurped down the last few mouthfuls of porridge, and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief: "I'm done. You can go."

The attendant, who had been sent by Lady Huai'an to watch Zhong Yansheng eat and take his medicine, suddenly snapped back to reality. Her face turned red, and she stole another glance at the young lord's beautiful face before quietly clearing the dishes and leaving.

As soon as she left, Zhong Yansheng jumped off the bed eagerly, his long hair loose and his feet bare, his eyes sparkling: "Yuncheng, did you find out? So quickly?"

The young master, just recovered from a serious illness, was walking around barefoot, causing Yuncheng a headache. He pressed the young master back down and turned to find his shoes and socks: "By coincidence! On my way back from the main courtyard, I happened to overhear His Excellency and Lady discussing it, Young Master. I took a big risk for you!"

"Thank you, I'll give you extra pay this month!" Zhong Yansheng sat patiently on the stool, his eyes following Yuncheng's movements, "Where is he? Did you hear?"

"I heard His Excellency say the place is called Changliu Villa, and I also got a rough idea of its location."

Saying this, Yuncheng brought over the soft foot coverings.

Sometimes it wasn't entirely Lady Huai'an's fault for pampering the young master. Zhong Yansheng's skin was delicate, and he could only wear silk stockings. Any slightly rough material would cause red rashes, itching, and pain after a short while.

Even His Excellency wouldn't comment on these matters. He was strict with the young master only in words.

Zhong Yansheng wiggled his white toes, unable to resist praising, "Yuncheng, you're so reliable and amazing!"

Yuncheng scratched his head, blushing and laughing foolishly.

Having found out the location, Zhong Yansheng couldn't sit still, eager to go out of the city immediately.

But the timing wasn't right.

Marquis Huai'an and Lady Huai'an didn't want him to meet the real young master, so he had to act secretly.

Zhong Yansheng endured patiently, lying in bed obediently and continuing to convalesce for several more days.

In the past, when he caught a cold, he would be bedridden for half a month. This time, despite the initial severity, his recovery was surprisingly quick. After another five or six days, the remaining symptoms gradually disappeared.

During this period, the various tonics sent to Zhong Yansheng's courtyard piled up as high as a person.

When the doctor finally nodded and congratulated Zhong Yansheng on his recovery, Zhong Yansheng knew the opportunity had arrived.

Every time he recovered from an illness, Lady Huai'an would traditionally go to a temple to pray.

As expected, as soon as the doctor left, Lady Huai'an took Zhong Yansheng's hand, her expression gentle and smiling, "Blessed by Buddha, blessed by Buddha. Mother will go to Jin Fu Temple tomorrow to pray for our Tiaotiao's safety and good fortune."

Zhong Yansheng felt a mix of warmth and deep guilt in his heart.

He had stolen someone's parents and family, and even prevented him from returning home.

All the love and care he received in the Huai'an mansion made Zhong Yansheng feel like sitting on pins and needles.

It was understandable that the other person hated him, but he hoped he wouldn't hate the Huai'an mansion... He would return everything that should be returned, hoping that afterward, the other person would hate him a little less.

At least not do something so extreme.

Lady Huai'an had been a devout Buddhist for many years. Early the next morning, she set off with her attendants to Jin Fu Temple, which she often visited in the capital, and was expected to return in the evening.

Marquis Huai'an, busy with his official duties, had been absent since their return to the capital. He had taken time off frequently to visit Zhong Yansheng recently, but with accumulated work, he had gone to the office early.

The entire Huai'an mansion was empty, leaving only Zhong Yansheng.

Zhong Yansheng always slept late in the morning, but today he woke up unusually early and got out of bed, pacing around the room. Once he confirmed everyone had left, he called for Yuncheng.

Yuncheng had anticipated this: "Is Young Master going to that villa? Shall I get the carriage ready?"

Zhong Yansheng nodded and then shook his head, giving a serious instruction: "We can't use the carriage from the manor. We need to be discreet and not get discovered."

Zhong Yansheng had left the capital at the age of seven and had only been back for less than half a month. However, he had a good memory and still remembered a few secret paths. He changed into a low-key outfit, and the two young teenagers slipped out of the back gate of the Marquis's residence quietly.

The bustling voices from the distant street reached Yuncheng, who felt both excited and nervous: "Young Master, who are you looking for?"

Zhong Yansheng hesitated for a moment. Indeed, he hadn't thought through how he should present himself to the real young master.

It seemed that in the story, the real young master was actually born a little earlier than him.

If he wanted to build a relationship, calling him 'brother' might work?

Zhong Yansheng thought about it and said with a stern face: "Don't ask."

"Okay."

Yuncheng was straightforward but very efficient. Afraid of being recognized, he even covered his face with a scarf. He quickly rented a carriage and drove out of the city, heading towards the villa mentioned by the Marquis Huai'an.

In March, outside the capital, the willows were green and the flowers were blooming, with birds flying and grass growing lushly. The spring grass cascaded like a waterfall, stretching deeply and continuously to the horizon, creating a beautiful scene.

Zhong Yansheng lifted the curtain of the carriage, gazing outside and taking a deep breath, feeling a bit joyful.

He had been confined in the room for many days due to illness, and it was finally time to breathe fresh air.

However, the closer they got to the villa, the more suspicious Zhong Yansheng became.

There were two or three carriages on the road, quite luxurious, adorned with the emblems of noble families. He didn't recognize which families they belonged to, but they clearly belonged to the wealthy and powerful, and the place looked quite lively.

The Marquis Huai'an should not want to publicize the family matters yet, and the story also mentioned that the real young master was staying alone in the villa.

So why were there so many people going to the villa?

Zhong Yansheng had a bad feeling and couldn't help but ask: "Yuncheng, did you really hear the location correctly?"

"Absolutely correct!" Yuncheng was very confident in his hearing and replied firmly, "The Marquis said it was here."

"Then why are these people here?"

Yuncheng glanced around and said nonchalantly: "Probably for a spring outing."

"Oh, that makes sense."

Zhong Yansheng found this reasonable and trusted Yuncheng, settling back comfortably.

Right, Yuncheng is very reliable; how could he get the place wrong?

After a few hours, a waterside villa gradually came into view, partially hidden by bamboo groves, like a beauty half-concealed behind a lute. The other carriages gradually stopped, leaving only Zhong Yansheng's carriage continuing towards the villa.

Seeing this, Zhong Yansheng understood.

It seemed these people were indeed here for a spring outing.

Yuncheng drove the carriage steadily, leaving the other carriages behind.

From the other carriages, several heads poked out, exchanging glances with strange expressions as they watched the carriage approaching the villa.

They were all hesitant to move forward, but someone was really brave enough to go?

As the surroundings grew quieter, only the sound of the carriage wheels could be heard, gradually reaching the gate of the villa. The sign above the gate read "Changliu Villa," with bold and free-flowing calligraphy.

Zhong Yansheng lowered the curtain, pondered for a moment, and felt it wasn't good to bring anyone along, as it would seem like a show of force. He got out of the carriage and said: "Go have fun, come back to pick me up later."

"Ah? That's not good." Yuncheng hesitated, "Young Master, what if something happens to you again? The Marquis and Lady will tear me apart!"

"It's fine. This is my father's private property, and an elder of the Zhong family lives here, so it's very safe." Zhong Yansheng urged, "Go on, go on."

On the way, many young men and women were out for a spring outing, flying kites, and laughing and chatting. Yuncheng, being young and playful, had already been eager to join them. Hearing that it was the Marquis Huai'an's property and that a Zhong family elder lived inside, he felt reassured, agreed on a time with Zhong Yansheng, and happily ran off.

Once Yuncheng left, Zhong Yansheng realized how eerily quiet the surroundings were, with not even the sound of birds. The wind rustled through the bamboo grove, creating a constant rustling sound.

The vermilion gate, just a stone's throw away, seemed like a massive creature, ready to swallow him whole. Zhong Yansheng's heart raced, and he swallowed hard, stepping forward to knock on the door.

For a long time, there was no response.

Not only that, but the rustling of the bamboo grove also stopped, making the surroundings even more deathly silent.

Zhong Yansheng began to regret letting Yuncheng leave so soon.

He bit his lip and knocked on the door again, his voice small and trembling: "Is anyone there? Could you please open the door?"

Still no response.

Right, the real young master was staying alone in the villa. Could it be that there were no servants in the villa?

Zhong Yansheng suddenly understood and walked away from the gate, following the wall for a long distance until he found a spot that was easier to climb—a tree next to the wall with lush foliage, one thick branch extending over the wall.

Thinking of the people at the manor, Zhong Yansheng steeled his courage, rolled up his sleeves, and started climbing the tree with great effort.

Suddenly, he thought he heard gasps around him.

Zhong Yansheng paused, his back tingling with cold sweat.

... Is it haunted?

No, no, it's broad daylight; how could it be haunted? It must be the wind.

Zhong Yansheng swallowed hard and clung to the tree trunk, slowly and laboriously climbing up. After much effort, he finally made it to the top of the tree, tiptoeing and carefully testing the branch that extended over the wall, finding it stable.

The dense foliage blocked his view, preventing him from seeing inside the wall. Zhong Yansheng cautiously took small steps, preparing to jump onto the wall when he got close.

Heaven does not always favor human wishes.

After taking only a few steps, a crisp "snap" sounded from behind.

Zhong Yansheng's entire body bristled with alarm. In a flash, his body reacted before his mind could catch up, lunging forward without hesitation and just managing to clear the wall, tumbling into the courtyard below.

He landed like a fledgling that had accidentally fallen from its branch, its soft wings not yet fully spread, crashing into the flower bed in a panic, disturbing countless petals. Amidst the flurry of falling blossoms, he paused, rubbing his dazed head and slowly lifting his eyes.

In his blurred vision, a few steps away, sat a person.

Even as Zhong Yansheng fell from the sky, scattering the flowers and sending petals flying onto the man, he did not move an inch, calm as still water.

Lying amidst the flowers, Zhong Yansheng's head throbbed for a moment before his vision gradually cleared, allowing him to see the other person clearly.

It was a man seated in a wheelchair.

Though confined to the chair, his legs seemingly immobile, his back was as straight as a pine tree, indicating a tall stature. His dark blue robe, embroidered with silver thread, shimmered in the sunlight, exuding an aura of nobility.

As Zhong Yansheng's gaze moved upward, he saw a face with deep, chiseled features. At this moment, Zhong Yansheng noticed a white bandage covering the man's eyes, but this did not diminish the striking beauty and heroic demeanor of his face.

In his hand, the man held a sword, slowly polishing it. His long, slender fingers, smooth as jade, moved at a leisurely pace, a sight pleasing to the eye.

A faint sigh, tinged with regret, echoed again. This time, along with the sigh, there were a few murmurs of pity.

Someone hiding in the shadows shook their head and sighed to a companion, "What a beautiful little beauty. I bet that pretty little head is about to roll."

Another person nodded in agreement, "Master's headache has flared up again, and he's in a terrible mood. Yet, this one chose this moment to jump in and seek death."

"Do you think he'll be cut into how many pieces?"

"I'd say at least eight."

Just then, the unfortunate young man who had fallen into the flower bed got up, brushing off broken twigs and leaves from his clothes. After a moment of hesitation, he slowly approached the young man polishing the sword, a few steps away, and called out hesitantly, "Brother?"

His voice was gentle and sweet, sounding very pleasant.

When he spoke, silence descended around them.

The two hidden guards: "...?"

Xiao Nong paused in his sword-polishing, raising an eyelid.

Just as the two guards thought blood would soon be spilled, they heard their master respond in a calm, composed voice, "Mm."

Mm.

Mm???

Author's note:

Why did you even respond?