Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Luo Shifu was startled.

He halted mid-step.

Perhaps only an instant had passed, or perhaps a long while had gone by. Out of the Young Marquis's sight, he slowly clenched his fist.

Luo Qianyu remained unaware, staring thoughtfully at the distant painted boats, his mind already occupied with other plans.

In truth, this idea was not a sudden impulse.

Having gone through this harrowing experience, Luo Qianyu realized that, although the truth was somewhat harsh, relying solely on his golden finger of knowing the plot in advance was not enough to avoid the original story's events.

For instance, a few days ago—at the Donglang Bridge night market, when his horse was startled, he was supposed to meet Wen Yu for the first time and fall in love at first sight. Instead, he deliberately didn't wear his riding cloak, resulting in being thrown about and hurt in the carriage, which added an extra scene not in the original text—Wen Yu carrying him back to the manor.

Another example—the Young Marquis was supposed to be captivated by Wen Yu's beauty and use his power to abduct Wen Yu into his manor. Yet, he subverted the intent and ended up taking Wen Yu's little plump bird instead.

Then, just two days later, the Thief who was originally targeting Wen Yu came up empty at the hot spring pool. Later appearing on the painted boat, he unexpectedly revealed to Luo Qianyu—an innocent bystander—that Liu Cixue was actually a man.

And now, after the incident with the incense at Hanshan Temple, the beautiful *shou* who should have been pursued by multiple parties was replaced by him, who had accidentally stumbled into the incense ritual.

What did all this indicate?

The plot that was supposed to happen still occurred, but it all fell on another person... namely, himself.

Thus, it dawned on the Young Marquis: the current situation seemed to be that the more he tried to stay away from Wen Yu, the more it backfired.

Not only did he fail to avoid him, but he was also caught in that person's arms, almost having his cover blown. At the same time, the plotlines that had nothing to do with him—the unwanted attention he shouldn't have endured—were unexpectedly endured completely in Wen Yu's place.

Was this the consequence of tampering with the plot on his own?

Luo Qianyu felt somewhat on the verge of a breakdown.

He just didn't want to get involved in the beauty's whirlwind romance, nor did he want Wen Yu to recognize him as that Mysterious Guest. He didn't want to replace the beauty!!

Rather than racking his brains to avoid the original plot, only to have the situation spiral further out of control—it might be better to accept it calmly.

As long as he "died" at his designated exit point in the plot... no, performed a death fake-out, and then made a clean getaway, from then on, everything in this book would have nothing to do with the Young Marquis.

Having finished his own train of thought, Luo Qianyu received no response. So, he formed the hand encircling the other's neck into a fist and lightly thumped that person's chest: "Luo Shifu, aren't you listening?"

...

"He is that Wen Yu?"

Luo Shifu's voice was as calm as usual, yet his tone was inexplicably subdued, making it hard to discern his emotions.

"Huh?" Luo Qianyu wasn't sure if he had mentioned Wen Yu's name in front of him before, so he asked, "You know him?"

"I know some things."

"Three years ago, the late emperor issued an imperial decree. Duke Jing'an, Wen Daoyi, was beheaded as a public example. All family members of the entire household, totaling two hundred and sixty-one people, were exiled three thousand li."

Luo Shifu gazed somewhere into the distance, remarking flatly: "Originally, Wen Yu, the Metropolitan Exam Top Scholar personally appointed by the late emperor and also Wen Daoyi's grandson, was also stripped of his scholarly honors and exiled along with them."

Luo Qianyu was slightly taken aback.

So Luo Shifu knew Wen Yu, knew about Wen Yu's past, and remembered it so clearly?

"I know he is Wen Yu, and I know he is the deposed Top Scholar." The Young Marquis lowered his eyes and said, "But his skills are extraordinary. You just fought him; surely you noticed something."

As soon as these words fell, Luo Qianyu seemed to grasp something unusual, and his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Damn...

He had actually forgotten.

Luo Shifu was also one of the popular 'buy-stock' *gongs* who coveted the protagonist *shou*, Wen Yu!

Strictly speaking, he and this fourth younger brother were both brothers and love rivals. This relationship was dramatic enough, complete with its own 'asura field' dynamics, and thus inevitably became an extremely eye-catching spectacle in the story.

Readers loved this kind of melodramatic plot where brothers turn against each other for a beauty.

So, just now was the first formal encounter between Luo Shifu and Wen Yu in the book.

And he had unintentionally and unknowingly played matchmaker for the two of them, and even instigated their first confrontation?

He wasn't entirely sure if his fourth brother had fallen in love at first sight. But judging by Luo Shifu's uncharacteristic state of being overly silent, especially after mentioning the Personal Guard matter... It must be that after their exchange just now, the great beauty's graceful figure was already deeply imprinted in his mind. Luo Shifu, this unfeeling block of ice, also couldn't help but remain lost in thought for a long time.

The seed of lingering attachment had already been planted; it was pretty much a sure thing, no doubt about it.

The Young Marquis let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

The protagonist *shou*'s irresistible charm; he had witnessed it and experienced it himself, so he wasn't surprised. Even if he hadn't been the matchmaker tonight, Luo Shifu falling for him was inevitable.

So he asked, already knowing the answer: "What, do you think it's inappropriate?"

Luo Shifu didn't answer, instead asking: "How did Elder Brother come to know him?"

"Given Wen Yu's status, he shouldn't be in the capital now."

How did they meet?

Hiss, this question... Luo Qianyu pondered; this matter was a long story.

Should he start from when Wen Yu sought medical treatment for his mother, or from when he, Luo Qianyu, offered help at the Diaohua Pavilion and had his first encounter with Wen Yu? Moreover, without mentioning the twists and turns, during that time, he wasn't just acting under the identity of the Young Marquis.

"Wen Yu secretly returned to the capital this time to seek medical treatment for his mother. Others don't know; you mustn't tell anyone either." Luo Qianyu paused, skirting the details: "We can't really be considered acquainted. It was just that night at the Gulou night market, when my horse was hit by a hidden arrow, he was the one who stepped in, reined in the horse in time, and later escorted me back to the Marquis's manor."

"...The one who saved Elder Brother was him?"

Luo Shifu recalled the bloodied hidden arrow the Young Marquis had secretly shown him that day at the hot spring pool. He pursed his lips tightly: "Elder Brother never mentioned it."

"Wasn't I fine? What was there to mention about him?"

This time, Luo Shifu remained silent for a good while, even stopping in his tracks. He said: "Such a person of unclear origins, bearing a criminal status, serving as Elder Brother's Personal Guard, constantly by your side, never leaving... is rather inappropriate."

Hearing this, the Young Marquis was momentarily stunned, his heart stirring slightly.

These words sounded like concern for his safety, but they actually seemed more like jealousy.

So, after a moment's consideration, he spoke earnestly: "When I employ someone, I am not constrained by background or history; I value skills and ability. Although Wen Yu bears a crime, it is actually due to being implicated by his family's wrongful injustice. He is both scholarly and martial, and upright in character. With his talents, serving as a Personal Guard is not only not beneath him, but is instead an underutilization of his abilities."

...

The air by West Moon Lake was cool, the distant forest solemn and dense.

Only the wind rushed past his ears, and the rustling of tree shadows made the silence feel even deeper.

"Earlier, elder brother said that person was alone and helpless, and that fate forced him, needing a helping hand."

Luo Shifu clenched his jaw, speaking, spacing out each word: "If that person truly is Wen Yu, then when elder brother spoke of employing people based solely on talent, was that truly from the heart, or was it your own selfish motives?"

Luo Qianyu's heart skipped a beat.

This Luo Shifu, usually so obedient to him, yet at a critical moment, for the sake of the one he loves, could instantly turn into a master debater, hitting the nail on the head, rendering even the usually sharp-tongued Young Marquis speechless for a moment.

It was true he hadn't *only* been drawn to Wen Yu's talent.

After tonight, having personally experienced the other man's suffering and hardships, out of personal concern, he wanted to help him, to keep him close for protection... and indeed felt sympathy.

But putting that aside, wasn't the Battalion Commander's quiet jealousy a bit too early?

The moment he heard that the stunning man he'd fallen for at first sight was to become his elder brother's Personal Guard, he could no longer restrain himself, squaring off against him in secret and vying for favor. Just moments ago, he had been holding him close, and now he couldn't even maintain the facade of "fraternal harmony," even going so far as to talk back—uncharacteristically so.

Although the Young Marquis could understand—beauty can lead one astray—he couldn't help but feel a little annoyed.

Luo Qianyu knitted his brows slightly and said coldly, "Who I want is my business. As long as they please me, that's reason enough."

"Moreover, no matter who is by my side, or who I wish to keep in the future." Luo Qianyu gritted his teeth and finished: "It is not for you, an outsider, to have a say."

Luo Shifu's pupils tightened.

The surroundings were too quiet.

So much time passed that Luo Qianyu thought the person piggybacking him would no longer speak, before he heard Luo Shifu slowly open his mouth: "Elder brother is right. I am indeed not your fourth brother, nor do I share the Marquis's bloodline."

The last sentence, before it could fully reach his ears, was scattered by the wind.

...

"I will remember that, brother."

*

As soon as the Young Marquis returned to the estate, before he could head back to Jinlin Courtyard or go to the main hall to pay his respects, a figure came rushing at him.

Luo Qianyu reached out on instinct and caught her, and she hugged him tightly, calling out in a soft, sweet voice: "Big brother!"

It was his third younger sister, Luo Zhiheng.

"You're finally back! I was worried sick!" She tightly clutched the Young Marquis's sleeve, wearing an embroidered cotton jacket, her eyes red with anxiety: "Your servant came back and said you were missing, that Luo Shifu had gone to look for you, and that you might have been poisoned! I was almost frantic with worry!"

Luo Qianyu was startled: "You know about it? What about Father? Does Mother know?"

"No, they don't." Luo Zhiheng paused, pouting, looking hurt before saying: "I wanted to tell Father and Mother, but Second Brother insisted I shouldn't. He even said... said you might have gone to a brothel to enjoy yourself, and telling Father would only cause trouble. What kind of second brother is that!"

The Young Marquis looked up and exchanged a glance with the young master behind his third sister.

The young master, though not particularly refined, had regular features. When he spoke, his voice was rough and coarse, exactly like the old Marquis: "Big Brother, how'd I do?"

Luo Qianyu choked for a moment before saying: "...Well done."

Speaking of this second young master, he was the one who had been switched with Luo Shifu at birth, named Luo Baichen.

As for Luo Shifu, from being the highly valued bloodline of the Marquis's estate to having his status overturned overnight, from "Bai" (hundred) reduced to "Shi" (ten), what was altered was not just his name or age, but also his plummeting status within the Marquis's estate.

The Young Marquis knew that Luo Shifu was a wolf in sheep's clothing. In front of him, he acted like a loyal puppy, utterly obedient. But in reality, what Madam Sun had said that day was not an exaggeration. Nicknames like "Ghost's Bane," "Bloody-Handed Fourth Lad," and "Death's Messenger" were not unjustly given; they were truly terrifying enough to make commonfolk's children cry.

Under the Imperial Prison, those who passed through his hands—not to mention the countless souls and vengeful ghosts that haunted their dreams—even if they managed to leave alive, were either dead or crippled. It was no exaggeration to say he stripped them of flesh and steel from their bones.

This was also somewhat related to his upbringing and experiences.

Surrounded by the lively chatter of his two siblings, Luo Qianyu looked up at Luo Shifu's silent, retreating figure and sighed softly.

Speaking of which, the names of Marquis Luo's sons held quite interesting meanings. "Qianyu, Shifu, Zhiheng, Baichen"—names that together suggested order and refinement in the arts. The Da Xi Dynasty valued civil over military affairs, yet the old Marquis was a thoroughbred military man. Going back three generations, starting from his great-grandfather, they were all military generals who led troops and fought on battlefields.

When Luo Zhenchuan married the legitimate daughter of the Duke's estate, a few years later, the first young heir was born and named Luo Qianyu.

Coincidentally, the Young Marquis himself showed great promise. From a young age, he was extraordinarily intelligent. At three, he could recite the Thousand Character Classic; at five, he was proficient in the Analects; by eight, he could write elegant and brilliant essays. Before he was even ten, he immersed himself in military strategy books, showing early brilliance and unique insights that amazed everyone. He was widely recognized as a once-in-a-century Prodigy.

Therefore, the old Marquis, who had long been mocked as a mere military man, treated him like a rare treasure. Luo Qianyu was also the great hope of the Marquis's estate, a golden child, coddled and pampered, cherished so much they feared he might melt in their mouths.

Not to mention, the Young Marquis was also close with the Former Crown Prince,

and was deeply favored. However, after a sudden palace coup, his originally bright and promising future came to an abrupt halt. The Young Marquis gradually let himself go to ruin—the tragic downfall of a genius that everyone sighed over with regret.

So even to this day, despite the Young Marquis's current reputation, the old Marquis and Madam Sun still held high hopes for him in the upcoming imperial examinations. This likely also contained a lingering sense of regret regarding the legendary life he had led in his first decade.

But all that was in the past.

Luo Qianyu sent his two siblings away, saw Chun Sheng who was safe but with red, teary eyes, and then returned to Jinlin Courtyard.

He changed into clean clothes, ate a bowl of cool mung bean soup, slept soundly, and prepared to welcome his academic life.

Then he came down with a serious illness.

This cold came on fiercely. First, he felt chills all over, then a fever burned his forehead red, leaving him dazed. It persisted intermittently for two or three days, with constant feverish delirium. Even after taking medicinal soups, there was no improvement.

A doctor was summoned. After hearing Luo Shifu's account of the incense poisoning incident—with some of the more dangerous details omitted—the doctor examined him carefully but believed it was not an after-effect of poisoning, but rather a simple cold.

Only Luo Qianyu knew that this was a modern-style fever caused by overly tense nerves suddenly relaxing. In short, it was related to a weakened immune system, psychological stress, and emotional changes.

Ancient times lacked more direct fever-reducing medicine, so naturally, recovery was slower. However, even without medicine, given his condition, persisting with physical cooling techniques and proper rest would have him fully recovered in another couple of days.

On the third day of the fever, the Young Marquis lay curled up dazedly under the covers, feeling his hands and feet cold, unable to sweat.

At that moment, a servant suddenly came to report that the young master from the Lou family was asking to see him.

Under normal circumstances, the Young Marquis would certainly not see him. They had agreed to meet at the academy; meeting even a day earlier would be going back on his word. However... that day, Lou Xian had been drunk and poured his heart out in front of him, as if he had been troubled by it for days. Recalling his distraught appearance, Luo Qianyu couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for him.

Perhaps out of soft-heartedness, or perhaps because he was feverish and confused, he sent the servant to bring the young master in.

As soon as Lou Xian entered, he saw the figure curled up on the bed. His heart pounded wildly, and as he approached, it felt like it would leap out of his chest.

Leaning down, he saw the Young Marquis's red forehead and the hot breath from his lips, and suddenly panicked: "How did you get so sick? It's been days, and you're still not better?!"

Luo Qianyu had grown accustomed to quiet over the past two days and was caught off guard by the noise, which hurt his ears. He frowned slightly and mumbled: "It hasn't been that long. I'm almost better."

"What about the doctors in your estate? Can't they even treat a minor cold? What about the physicians? Could it be you haven't summoned any?" Lou Xian was anxious, completely forgetting the mental preparation he had done on the way here—"must be more composed"—and said angrily: "If your estate can't treat it properly, then let my estate's people take a look! If that still doesn't work, I'll appeal to the Emperor to summon the best imperial physicians in the capital to your estate!"

The Young Marquis sighed helplessly: "How could I have that much influence? Keep your voice down. My mother just left. If you shout, she'll come back in tears."

He paused, then added quietly: "The imperial physician has already been here. He said it's nothing serious. If you don't believe it, go to the palace and ask yourself."

Hearing this, Lou Xian reluctantly gave up, his eyes reddening. He couldn't help but say: "You only agree to see me when you're burning up with fever? Do you hate me that much?"

Luo Qianyu was taken aback. He couldn't bear to see people cry, and his heart softened. He then said: "What nonsense is that? I originally planned to go to the academy the day before yesterday, but this cold came on suddenly. It's not like I wanted to catch it. How could I have predicted it?"

Lou Xian was stunned into silence for a long moment before asking in a low voice, "...You don't hate me?"

The Young Marquis sighed helplessly, rolling his eyes and said with a sarcastic, embarrassed laugh, "Yes, I hate you. That's why I let you into my room and allowed you to sit on my bed, right?"

...

Lou Xian fell silent. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes seemed much brighter than before, like a small spark suddenly igniting in long-dead ashes.

Lou Xian had a naturally warm constitution, and sitting beside him felt like being next to a little sun—a veritable ball of heat. Luo Qianyu had initially wanted to shoo him away so he could burrow back under the covers and get some proper sleep. But the words died on his lips before he could speak.

Before he could even open his mouth, Lou Xian suddenly spoke up:

"Some days ago, did you go to the painted boat on West Moon Lake?"

The figure curled under the blankets stiffened abruptly.

"No," the Young Marquis replied, inwardly startled but maintaining a perfectly calm facade. "I've been at the estate the whole time. Why do you ask?"

"It's nothing..." Lou Xian seemed hesitant but couldn't help voicing his thoughts. "That night, I went boating on the lake with a few friends and happened upon a courtesan. I was drunk and ended up pouring my heart out to her. She couldn't speak, just listened quietly, and later... she inexplicably slapped me."

"After I sobered up, for some reason, I couldn't let it go. It felt... empty."

"Maybe I've lost my mind... but looking back, she somehow reminded me of you." Lou Xian murmured softly after a brief silence.

What Lou Xian didn't say was that later, the courtesan was taken away by an intruder, right in front of him, and he hadn't fought desperately to stop it.

Now, thinking back, a sense of regret began to simmer within him, growing stronger with each passing day.

He also regretted not lifting the beaded curtain that hid the other person's face, leaving his memory of their features hazy and indistinct.

Now, reflecting on it, that person truly did remind him of his own aloof Young Marquis.

Otherwise, why would a complete stranger make him decide to stay at first glance, pour out his heart while drunk, and then leave him so preoccupied? That was probably the reason.

"What?" The Young Marquis's expression shifted dramatically, flushing red, then paling, then turning ashen, as if furious. "Comparing this Young Master to some courtesan who keeps you company while you drink? Lou Xian, have you lost your mind?"

Lou Xian froze, his face suddenly paling as if slapped awake, realizing what he had just said.

These past few days, he'd felt like his soul had been snatched away, dazed and confused, and he'd actually spoken his thoughts aloud, letting the Young Marquis hear them. Damn it!

Luo Qianyu seized the opportunity. Originally terrified that Lou Xian might figure out he was the courtesan from that night, he now used this opening to turn the tables and tease him, feigning anger: "Well, well! I haven't seen you for days, and you've been stewing in resentment. Hearing I caught a chill and am bedridden, you rush over to visit! I thought you were genuinely concerned, but it turns out you came just to mock me, spout nonsense to anger me, and deliberately humiliate me, didn't you!"

Lou Xian's pupils contracted, his heart trembling violently.

Seeing that he couldn't shoo him away, the Young Marquis tightened the blankets around himself, intending to jump off the bed, find his shoes, and make a quick escape.

Lou Xian reacted swiftly, catching him—blankets and all—and holding the thick, soft bundle in his arms. He wished he could pull him out of the covers and lay his heart bare, urgently saying, "How could I possibly have such thoughts? I care for you, treasure you more than anything. These past few days, avoiding me, I've had no appetite, couldn't sleep at night. Even when friends invited me out for drinks, I had no interest... My heart is full of worry, and my mind is filled with thoughts of you. I wanted to come see you, but I was afraid you were still angry with me, terrified you'd ignore me from now on."

"Hearing you were ill with a chill, I was restless, how could I wait until 'see you at the academy'? Now, after going through all sorts of trouble to finally see you, how could I possibly intend to upset you?"

Luo Qianyu was stunned by his words.

They were spoken with such sincerity that the listener could feel the heartfelt, intimate sentiment behind them, making it hard not to be moved. But... why did it sound so oddly clingy, like something between lovers, sending shivers down one's spine?

Is this how close brothers expressed affection in ancient times?

Seeing the Young Marquis silent, his face flushed red—perhaps from the fever—and worried he might catch cold in his feet, Lou Xian gathered his courage, placed the blanket-wrapped bundle back on the bed, and sat down beside him.

"Don't be angry. I brought you a gift specially." Lou Xian looked at the Young Marquis's partially visible profile and coaxed softly, "It's not a hawk, not a cloak, and not a fat bird... Well, you didn't receive those two anyway..."

He picked up a long box nearby, covered with red brocade.

He lifted the fabric to reveal something furry inside.

Actually, Lou Xian had been carrying this box when he entered the room. Luo Qianyu had seen it, but the other had casually placed it on the table and ignored it afterward.

Luo Qianyu had already noticed the creature under the fabric moving, but the motion was so slight he thought it was his imagination. Now, with Lou Xian bringing it right before his eyes and calling it a gift, he couldn't help but open the blankets a bit wider, silently looking over.

This is...

"A rabbit?" the Young Marquis asked in surprise.

Lou Xian: "Mm."

Luo Qianyu couldn't resist, reaching out to gently touch the little rabbit's nose with his fingertip.

The rabbit's fur was dazzlingly white, its ear tips tinged with pink, the pads on its paws soft and plump, also pinkish. Its legs were short but not too chubby, pleasant to touch yet still beautiful.

Such high aesthetic value.

Luo Qianyu marveled inwardly. And it was well-behaved, with a good temperament—touching its nose didn't anger it; it just twitched its ears.

Watching the Young Marquis's expression, Lou Xian felt secretly pleased, knowing he'd chosen the right gift this time.

He wanted to ask, doesn't it remind you a bit of yourself? But the words reached his lips and he swallowed them back. Saying that would definitely earn him a scolding.

Forget it. More than a rabbit, it's like a little cat... but cats have sharp claws, making them an unsuitable gift. If it ever scratched the Young Marquis, he'd only worry himself sick.

In the end, borrowing the rabbit's appeal, Lou Xian chatted with the Young Marquis for a long while, growing more and more reluctant to leave. When a maid brought in steaming medicinal broth, Lou Xian even took it, intending to feed him personally, finally earning himself a merciless eviction from the Young Marquis.

After drinking the medicine, Luo Qianyu broke into a slight sweat. Looking at the little rabbit Lou Xian had left behind, he suddenly remembered he seemed to have another little pet.

...That fat bird.

That little bird was obsessed with fragrance. Judging from Lou Xian's words that night on the painted boat and his earlier inadvertent remarks, it seemed that bird was originally meant as a gift for him.

How did it end up with Wen Yu by some twist of fate, becoming Wen Yu's bird?

The more he thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed. Luo Qianyu couldn't think of any other possibility and eventually concluded that Lou Xian had probably lied to him to avoid making him angrier.

The bird was likely a gift from around the time of Zhai Xian Lou, at the latest shortly before or after. But it wasn't meant for him. When Lou Xian saw Wen Yu at the Carved Flower Pavilion, Luo Qianyu had noticed the budding signs of Lou Xian's attraction—after dealing with Quan Songcheng, he'd kept staring at the beauty.

Now, thinking back, Wen Yu seemed to already have that little bird on his shoulder at the time. Perhaps, unbeknownst to him, Lou Xian had already developed feelings and given a gift.

The little bird was obsessed with fragrance, and Wen Yu couldn't shake it off, so naturally, he couldn't refuse.

The reasoning and logic were so clear, perfectly consistent from start to finish. The Young Marquis almost admired his own insight and deductive skills.

But speaking of which, he hadn't seen that little bird since Cold Mountain Temple. Where did it end up going afterward?

When Wen Yu rescued him from the water, he was wearing a face covering and couldn't see the other's shoulder. Later, when Wen Yu fought with Luo Shifu, even if the little bird had been there, it would have surely found somewhere to hide temporarily.

So, it probably returned to its original owner?

He had considered sending someone to Cold Mountain Temple to check, worried it might have been poisoned by the two types of incense like the humans. But now, it seemed unnecessary to go to that trouble.

Thus, Luo Qianyu felt utterly guilt-free about "having a new rabbit and forgetting the old bird." He carefully placed the exceptionally good-looking little rabbit beside him and later personally gave it water.

The maids' hearts melted, completely captivated. They fetched small blankets, added dry grass and vegetable leaves, and knowing the Young Marquis liked it, didn't confine the rabbit elsewhere for the night. Instead, they left the wooden box by the bedside, allowing the Young Marquis to admire and enjoy it to his heart's content.

Before long, a servant suddenly arrived to report that someone from the Prime Minister's estate had come.

Luo Qianyu quickly asked what the matter was, only for the servant to say, "The person from the Prime Minister's estate left something behind without saying much. They only mentioned not to disturb the Young Marquis and left in a hurry. I heard... it seems to be a gift from the Prime Minister to the Young Marquis."

Luo Qianyu was skeptical yet curious, feeling as though the sun had risen from the west. Lin Jingyan sending him a gift?

Was it a bomb, more likely?

So he had it brought in. It was packed in a carved wooden box, with not even a note attached. Unable to see what it was, Luo Qianyu hesitated for a moment before opening it.

Once he held it in his hands and examined it closely—

It turned out to be a canoe.

A miniature version, however, with the bow and stern curving upward. The paddle was smooth as a mirror, its grain and texture clearly visible. Even by modern standards, it could put a whole series of exquisite handicrafts to shame.

It seemed to be the handiwork of a master artisan, carved from premium cypress wood with meticulous care. It felt smooth and delicate to the touch, the texture superior—so lifelike it could be described as a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship.

You could tell real care had gone into it.

But Luo Qianyu, nestled in his blankets with a fever-flushed face, sat half-upright, fiddling with the gift in his hands, his expression shifting like storm clouds.

...

Lin Jingyan had actually sent him a canoe?

A canoe, simply referred to as a "boat."

Other characters might not have set him off, but after the chaos in the marketplace where he'd narrowly escaped an arrow, nearly died in the carriage, been mistaken for someone else on a pleasure boat, then encountered—blindfolded, no less—and confronted Lin Jingyan face-to-face, he had reflexively grown wary of the word "boat."

What was the meaning of this?

Lin Jingyan had heard him that day and knew Luo Qianyu was aware the arrow's pattern implicated the Prime Minister's estate. That night, when he questioned him, the other had pretended not to recognize it, feigning ignorance of its origin.

How long had it been? Not long at all, and now he had sent someone to deliver this, putting on a front while plotting behind his back—so sinister it would astound even a book-transmigrator.

How was this any different from slapping him in the face? That damned Lin scoundrel, you've gone too far!

Luo Qianyu threw the small canoe onto the floor. With a thud, it rolled a few times, wobbling to a stop, but it didn’t break.

The maid was heartbroken, knowing it was a fine item and a gift from the Prime Minister. Putting everything else aside, it was precisely the kind of thing the Young Marquis liked. Back when he was bathing in the hot spring, the Young Marquis had even had a servant commission a carpenter to make several palm-sized canoes, which he'd float on the water for fun.

Now he was acting in a fit of anger. Once he cooled down, he'd surely regret it! She hurriedly picked it up: "Young Master! Calm down, this little boat hasn’t done anything to offend you. Don’t take your anger out on objects!"

"If you break it now, once your temper cools, you’ll surely regret it..."

"Who would regret it?" The Young Marquis showed an indescribable expression and said, "What I regret is that I don’t know how to shrink myself so I could stuff the Prime Minister into this boat and toss them both out together."

Caiyue couldn’t help but chuckle, bending down to pick up the small canoe as if it were a priceless treasure, carefully storing it away.

Then she moved to the table to tidy up the scattered items and suddenly went "Huh?" in surprise. "Young Master, there’s another gift here, hidden under the other things. I didn’t notice it earlier... It’s just a piece of paper. Could it be a letter?"

The Young Marquis paused, his hand holding the ginger soup.

He wondered to himself if it was another love letter—or rather, a peace-offering letter disguised as a love letter—that Lou Xian had secretly left for him.

Suspicious, Luo Qianyu took it, opened it with some disdain, and skimmed through the first two lines carelessly, but his gaze gradually fixed on it.

Not only did it fix, it nearly froze there.

Soon, the hand holding the paper began to tremble faintly.

The first line contained the name, age, hometown, and current residence of the personal guard.

The second line detailed his family background, information about his parents, and the like.

Farther down were the details: the term of indenture, the price, the benefits provided by the Marquis's estate, and the guard's specific duties. Notably, the indenture period was listed as lifelong.

At the very bottom were the names of witnesses and guarantors.

This was... a contract of indenture.

Even more, near the lower part, there was already the seal of the Marquis’s residence.

The Young Marquis sprang up like a carp leaping from water, finally emerging from the ball of blankets he had curled into. The fever still burned, but he broke out in an inexplicable cold sweat down his back.

Because the name written for the personal guard was clearly—Liu Cixue!

When had Liu Cixue come?

Not only had he come, but he had also quietly placed this contract under the other gifts, just like last time, entering his bathing chamber as if it were unmanned, hiding beneath the water without anyone noticing. This time, he had even entered the side room, and all while Luo Qianyu hadn’t left the room?

This guy's skills were seriously impressive. If he were to stay by his side and obey his commands, he might indeed be able to take on the role of a guard.

But Luo Qianyu didn’t want that pervert to be his Personal Guard!!

This contract felt like the high-quality paper commonly used in the Marquis’s residence. Not only was it stamped, but the space where the contracting party needed to sign already bore handwriting that looked exactly like his own—so identical that even he could hardly tell the difference.

Now, only the fingerprint part remained—his own handprint.

Liu Cixue could have taken advantage of his fever-induced delirium or his drowsy sleep to press his handprint for him, but he hadn’t done so. It was as if he respected his right to choose, leaving this final step for him to complete.

How fucking ceremonious of him!

The Young Marquis realized that while the choice seemed to still be in his hands, perhaps in a few days... no, even by tonight, the matter of the Personal Guard might no longer be up to him.

It seemed leisurely on the surface, but in reality, it was urgent and pressing!

The Young Marquis tore the paper into eight pieces and threw them aside in frustration.

Startled, the little rabbit trembled and burrowed deeper into the Young Marquis’s blankets, only its short tail peeking out.

Caiyue was taken aback, thinking to herself that aside from the gift from Young Master Lou, it seemed her Young Master wasn’t very satisfied with the other two gifts tonight.

Looking up, she saw the Young Marquis getting out of bed.

"Young Master?!" Caiyue panicked, quickly bending down to pick up his shoes and lifting a fox fur cloak for warmth as she hurried after him, calling out anxiously from behind, "Young Master, you’re still ill! The cold hasn’t fully healed. Where are you rushing off to...?"

Luo Qianyu threw on his outer robe, his legs weak, not caring that his inner garments were thin, and rushed out of the main room. He felt the wind cut off from the outside, but inside, his heart was chillingly cold.

Where else could he go?

The Young Marquis gritted his teeth:

"To snatch back my Personal Guard!"