Chapter Four

Chapter Four

The first meeting with the real young master was too unexpected. Zhong Yansheng, burdened with thoughts, didn't feel like chattering and silently left Changliu Villa with the man in black.

As soon as he stepped over the threshold, the door behind him slammed shut, a move that was both swift and cold.

This person must be on the side of the real young master, disliking him.

Zhong Yansheng had always been well-liked; this was the first time he faced such cold treatment, which inevitably made him a little down, but he could only accept it.

After all, he had occupied someone else's position and enjoyed benefits for over a decade.

The sky was no longer as clear as before. The wind from the distant lake blew in, damp and cold, as if rain was about to fall. The wind made the pain in his neck more noticeable.

Zhong Yansheng couldn't help but touch it. When he looked down, he saw white fingertips stained with blood, which stood out sharply, making him feel dizzy.

Was it scratched when he fell into the flower bed, or was it cut by a sword?

Before discovering the wound, it wasn't so noticeable, but now the pain intensified. Zhong Yansheng hissed, covering his neck and hurriedly climbed into the carriage, rummaging for a bronze mirror.

He stared at himself in the mirror for a long time, bit his lip, and endured the pain to wipe away the blood, so no one would notice and ask questions.

Fortunately, the wound was just a thin scratch, barely breaking the skin. Once the blood was wiped away, it was hardly visible.

Just as he finished, hurried footsteps came from outside. It was Yuncheng returning.

Seeing the carriage curtain fluttering, Yuncheng lifted it and peeked inside, relieved to see Zhong Yansheng intact: "Young Master, you're back. I thought it might rain, so I hurried here."

Zhong Yansheng guiltily stuffed the handkerchief into his sleeve and acted nonchalant: "Mm-hmm."

"Madam might return early, we should hurry back," Yuncheng said, untying the horse. "Young Master, did you see the person you wanted to see?"

Zhong Yansheng nodded: "Yes."

But it was different from what he imagined.

Very different!

Their prediction was right. As soon as the carriage left Changliu Villa, a loud thunderclap was heard, followed by a heavy downpour that pelted against the carriage, filling the air with a fresh, earthy smell.

When they secretly returned to the mansion, everything was calm, as if no one had noticed Zhong Yansheng and Yuncheng sneaking out.

Estimating that Madam would arrive soon, Zhong Yansheng, with Yuncheng's help, quickly changed into new clothes, combed his hair, and washed his face. After finishing, he peered outside: "Is she back yet?"

Yuncheng went to check and returned, shaking his head: "Madam hasn't returned yet."

It was strange. Jin Fu Temple was on a mountain. If it rained, the mountain paths would become difficult to navigate, and Madam should have come down early.

Puzzled, Zhong Yansheng asked Yuncheng to check again after a while.

Yuncheng made several trips. By the time Zhong Yansheng had dinner alone in the courtyard, taken his medicine, and night had fallen, news finally came that Madam and Marquis Huai'an had returned.

Worried something might have happened, Zhong Yansheng rushed to the main courtyard, with a servant holding an umbrella following closely behind.

Zhong Yansheng never needed to announce his arrival at Madam's quarters, and no one would stop him. He walked through smoothly, and a maid led him to the warm pavilion, intending to announce his presence.

Impatient, Zhong Yansheng knocked on the door himself, calling out eagerly: "Mother, can I come in?"

After a moment, Marquis Huai'an's voice came from inside: "Come in."

Zhong Yansheng immediately pushed the door open, not bothering with formalities, and rushed to check on Madam.

Marquis Huai'an and Madam were sitting on the warm kang, chatting casually. Madam seemed fine, though her expression held a hint of sadness.

Marquis Huai'an was still in his court robes, his usual stern expression softening slightly as he looked at Zhong Yansheng, with a hint of reproach: "We were just about to call you. You've just recovered, and you snuck out to play?"

Caught!

With neither he nor Yuncheng around, it was easy to notice they had gone out.

Zhong Yansheng's heart skipped a beat. His long lashes fluttered nervously, his gaze wandering, afraid of being scolded, he glanced up at Marquis Huai'an furtively.

His guilty, adorable appearance was truly endearing. Madam's worried expression vanished, and she covered her mouth with a smile.

Marquis Huai'an's tone was strict: "Where did you go?"

"I just... wandered around the streets," Zhong Yansheng replied, a flash of inspiration hitting him. He lowered his lashes, sounding melancholic, "I was bored staying at home alone. I've been away from the Imperial City for over ten years and don't have many familiar friends. If... if there were older brothers or younger brothers at home, it would be nice."

Zhong Yansheng had a face that was very convincing. Most of the time, no one could bear to scold such a beautiful face, especially when he spoke in such a pitiful, soft voice, like a fluffy little animal, utterly lovable and pitiable.

Marquis Huai'an and Madam exchanged glances, falling silent for a moment.

After a long pause, Madam couldn't resist stroking her son's fluffy head, speaking gently: "Tiao'er, it's fine to want to go out and play, but you should take more people with you. The Imperial City is different from Gusu. Mother is worried you might be bullied outside, okay?"

Zhong Yansheng nodded obediently: "Okay."

Not really.

Taking more people would make it impossible to sneak to Changliu Villa.

Seeing his obedient demeanor, Marquis Huai'an's stern expression softened, and he coughed into his fist: "Alright, I'm not going to interrogate you. You've been out all day, go back and rest early."

Planting a seed in Marquis Huai'an and Madam's minds, letting them know he felt lonely and wouldn't mind having siblings.

Zhong Yansheng subtly curved his lips, maintaining a melancholic expression as he left, his slender figure looking like a piece of paper, a solitary little figure that tugged at the heartstrings.

Madam couldn't help herself: "Perhaps, we could..."

Marquis Huai'an remained silent for a long time, then shook his head: "It's not that I don't want to, but the current situation is simply unsuitable."

Lady Marquis's brows furrowed with more worry, and she sighed softly. Marquis Huai'an patted her back to comfort her, "My lady can visit him under the pretext of praying. Haven't we already made the arrangements? Let's wait a little longer."

Lady Marquis's eyes reddened, and she wiped the corners, finally nodding.

When they returned to Chunwu Garden, it had started raining again, with thunder rumbling incessantly.

Zhong Yansheng, who had just recovered from his illness, went out and was exhausted. He closed the windows and went straight to bed, spending the night in nightmares amidst the faint thunder.

The next day, before he even opened his eyes, he felt pain all over his body, especially in his abdomen, which hurt so much that he gasped at the slightest touch.

He must have injured himself yesterday without realizing it.

Feeling uncomfortable all over, Zhong Yansheng didn't dare to call for a doctor. He curled up in a corner of the bed, tears welling up as he endured the pain silently.

Yuncheng got up early and, hearing some noise, walked around the screen to the bedside, lifting the quilt but not seeing anyone. He called towards the small lump on the inside of the bed, "Young Master, are you awake? Should I ask the kitchen to send breakfast? Oh, Lady went to Jin Fu Temple early this morning to pray, so Young Master should eat alone..."

Zhong Yansheng, who had been gritting his teeth in pain, perked up at this news.

Last night, he had been worried about how to sneak out if his mother were at home.

Suddenly, his abdomen didn't hurt as much, and he got out of bed, barefoot and disheveled, his eyes bright. "Yuncheng, quickly, let's go to Changliu Villa!"

Yuncheng was taken aback. "Going again today? Hey... Young Master, put on your socks first!"

After breakfast, Zhong Yansheng learned to be a bit smarter. He sent everyone in the courtyard away, sternly instructing them to study and not disturb him, then took Yuncheng out of the Marquis's residence like a thief.

Familiarity breeds ease, and Yuncheng quickly rented a carriage, realizing that Zhong Yansheng would likely continue to venture out. This time, he leased the carriage long-term, planning to leave it at an inn when not in use.

The road to Changliu Villa was much quieter today, with no other carriages in sight.

Zhong Yansheng became increasingly certain that those rather luxurious carriages he saw yesterday were there for spring outings in the capital outskirts.

The rented carriage was not as spacious or comfortable as their own, and by the time they reached the bamboo grove outside the villa, Zhong Yansheng felt as if he was about to fall apart. He hissed through his teeth, slowly getting out of the carriage, weakly saying, "Go play. Come back to pick me up in two or three hours."

Yuncheng, with his cheerful nature, had already made friends yesterday and eagerly went off to find his companions.

Just as it was yesterday, Changliu Villa was eerily quiet, like a giant monster. After a night of rain, a misty fog floated over the distant lake, and the wind was chilly.

Zhong Yansheng hesitantly approached the door, and before he could knock, it creaked open, revealing the same black-clad young man from yesterday, still expressionless.

Zhong Yansheng found him quite unique, stepping over the threshold and following him inside, curiously asking, "What's your name? Are you here with your brother?"

The black-clad young man ignored his question. "Please."

For some reason, Zhong Yansheng felt he was walking faster than yesterday, taking quick steps.

Zhong Yansheng's abdomen still hurt, and he wanted to ask him to slow down but felt it might seem too demanding and childish, so he bit his lip and tried to keep up, feeling both tired and in pain, beads of sweat forming on his nose.

The layout of Changliu Villa was complex, winding around, but fortunately, the distance wasn't long. When they reached a courtyard, Zhan Rong paused, stepped aside, and pushed the panting Zhong Yansheng inside, closing the door with a bang.

Zhong Yansheng, utterly exhausted, stumbled and almost fell, dazedly entering the courtyard. He looked back in confusion, then glanced around the empty space.

It was desolate, completely silent, with no sign of life.

A sudden unease welled up inside him. He swallowed hard, standing still for a moment, then noticed the door was slightly ajar. Hesitantly, he knocked and called softly, "Brother, are you in there?"

No response.

"Can I come in?"

Still no response.

Thinking of the real young master's condition, Zhong Yansheng worried something might be wrong. He wiped the fine sweat from his face, pushed the door open, and cautiously entered, calling softly, "Brother," as he walked in.

As soon as he stepped inside, the room suddenly darkened. He accidentally kicked something, making a loud thud that echoed in the silence.

Zhong Yansheng, already on edge, nearly screamed, his instincts urging him to run. But thinking of everyone back at the Marquis's residence, his legs remained rooted to the spot.

He couldn't be afraid; he couldn't run.

Taking a deep breath against the wall, Zhong Yansheng lifted his head. In broad daylight, the windows were covered with black cloth, making the room dim and hard to see clearly.

This was getting stranger by the minute.

Zhong Yansheng swallowed hard, looking down to see what he had kicked. Upon closer inspection, the floor was in disarray, as if a storm had passed through. Incense burners were overturned, and broken porcelain littered the ground. The outer room was a mess, as if it had been ransacked by thieves.

Could it really have been robbed?

Zhong Yansheng's heart tightened, and he hurried past the screen, only to hear a sharp whistling sound. Something grazed his hair and embedded itself in the wooden screen with a thud.

The force was so great that the heavy redwood screen wobbled, almost falling over.

Zhong Yansheng was nearly speechless, his mind blank for several moments. His chest heaved with rapid, drum-like heartbeats, and he turned his head stiffly, recognizing the object as a throwing knife.

If it had been just a bit off, it would have hit his head.

The delayed fear left him frozen, his eyes welling up with tears, a thin mist clouding his vision. He looked up and saw someone leaning against the bed.

In the dim light, the person sitting at the head of the bed had disheveled long hair and wore only a white inner robe. Sweat seemed to have stuck the hair to his cheeks, and the thin veil over his eyes had slipped, revealing bloodshot eyes beneath thick lashes. His handsome profile looked demonic, more like a wild beast, with a look of extreme coldness and agitation, staring at him coldly.

The acute sense of danger made Zhong Yansheng freeze completely. A voice in his head screamed at him to run, and the fear nearly suffocated him. After a long while, he managed to choke out, trembling, "B... Brother?"

The thunder last night had worsened his slightly relieved headache.

Hearing the young man's trembling voice, Xiao Nong, in the throes of intense pain, regained a bit of his lost rationality. He coldly observed Zhong Yansheng's reaction, noting his thin, trembling body, like a small bird shivering with its feathers ruffled, suppressing a scream.

Even though he couldn't see his features clearly, he was still incredibly beautiful.

So beautiful.

His thin lips curled slightly, clearly smiling, yet without a trace of warmth. Handsome and cruel, with a hint of seductive allure, his voice was low and hoarse: "Come here."

Xiao Nong was certain that this timid little bird wouldn't dare to come over. He had seen too many people like this, trying to entice him while being too afraid to get close.

No one would dare to approach when they saw him in such a deranged state. They all treated him as a madman who could lose control and kill at any moment. Even his subordinates, who had followed him for years, only dared to kneel far away outside the courtyard.

But he was indeed a madman who could kill.

The room was deathly silent, and the young man by the screen remained frozen in place.

Xiao Nong pressed his aching temples, easily guessing the boy's escape route and ready to throw the dagger from his fingertips into his frail chest at any moment.

A beautiful yet fragile little thing.

Xiao Nong closed his eyes, enduring the pain that felt like it was drilling through his skull. Unnoticed, sweat soaked through his back, dampening his white silk robe. In the chaos brought by the intense pain, he suddenly heard light footsteps.

Very light, each step hesitant, but not fleeing; instead, slowly approaching.

A misty, fragrant breath softly brushed past his nose, and the taut string in his mind suddenly loosened.

Xiao Nong opened his eyes again, seeing the young man tighten his lips and take small steps toward the bedside.

Zhong Yansheng knew he was detestable in the real young master's eyes, but he hadn't expected such a terrible scare. His abdomen, injured yesterday, still ached. When he moved to the bedside, his water-red lips were pressed into a thin line, reluctant to speak.

But as he got closer, he squinted and noticed that Xiao Nong didn't seem to be in good shape.

A complex sense of guilt suddenly overshadowed his fear. Zhong Yansheng thought to himself that it was all his fault. If not for him, the other person could have comfortably recuperated in the Marquis' mansion instead of being alone here. Feeling aggrieved, scaring him a bit seemed quite normal.

"Are you... having a headache again?"

Zhong Yansheng carefully bent down, meeting the slightly red eyes in the dim light, and tentatively spoke.

After a moment, he saw the person on the bed nod slightly, then tilt his head in surprise: "Not afraid of me?"

Zhong Yansheng answered honestly: "Afraid."

Yet you still came over.

The headache eased slightly, and the violent urge to kill subsided. Instead, a bit of his usual mischief returned. Xiao Nong slowly changed his position, leaning against the headboard, his gaze sharp like a wolf's, scanning Zhong Yansheng's body. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth: "Why aren't you calling me anymore?"

When you entered, you were still calling me brother.

After the shock, Zhong Yansheng no longer wanted this cheap brother. He remained silent upon hearing the question.

"Hmm?"

All for the Marquis' mansion, for the Marquis' mansion.

Zhong Yansheng repeated this in his mind a few times, pursing his lips and calling out: "...Brother."

His voice was a bit choked at the end.

"Angry?"

"No," Zhong Yansheng denied softly, his beautiful eyes still red and glistening with tears, his tone pure and innocent. After a moment's thought, he earnestly advised, "Brother, I'm not very brave. Please don't scare me like that again."

Gazing into those clear, transparent eyes, King Ding, who had been a notorious thug in the Northern Desert for over a decade, felt an inexplicable sense of guilt for the first time in his life.

He seemed like a wild beast that had been calmed, the murderous aura around him gradually dissipating. As he looked at Zhong Yansheng, he suddenly remembered a bird he had seen in Liaodong.

Round and plump, with fluffy feathers, timid yet curious, it would flutter onto his palm, a warm, tiny bundle. The locals called it the silver-throated mountain finch, a spirit of the mountains and fields.

Xiao Nong fell silent for a moment, licking his lips: "Then, sorry?"

Zhong Yansheng nodded slowly, generously forgiving him: "It's okay."

A faint thud came from outside.

The dark guard listening from the eaves had fallen down.

Author's note:

Dark guard: ???

The silver-throated mountain finch is actually the silver-throated long-tailed tit, a chubby, adorable little bird!