Chapter 23

Chapter 23

After drinking the medicine, Luo Qianyu leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes to rest. As soon as his eyelids shut, he found himself thinking of the osmanthus honey brewed by Lady Sun back at the Marquis's estate—whether mixed with milk or clear water, it was always refreshingly sweet. Unfortunately, he couldn't have any now, so only a bitter taste remained in his mouth, which was quite unpleasant.

The heat faded slowly, and only when a cold breeze blew did the mental haze dissipate, allowing his mind to clear considerably.

The so-called Thousand-Year Snow Lotus from the novel he'd read—he had initially thought such a setting was absurd and ridiculous. Yet now, having experienced it firsthand, it could actually pull back someone who was poisoned and had one foot in the grave. It was truly potent.

Moreover, Wen Yu had actually given him the medicine... Come to think of it, the Little Beauty could have simply left him to die. He could even have used the Young Marquis's life as leverage to tear up the contract, rendering it void. Luo Qianyu and his guards would have been powerless.

But in the end, Wen Yu hadn't done that... Was it due to his innately noble nature?

The act of a bully snatching a beauty had ultimately been played out.

The Young Marquis's face grew hot with belated shame. He opened his eyes, picked up the contract, and studied it closely. The handwriting was neat, with a line of delicate script at the very bottom.

The brushstrokes were deliberate, and a vermilion handprint was affixed to it.

Luo Qianyu suddenly realized that this was the handiwork of a former top scholar. In modern times, this would undoubtedly be a valuable artifact fit for a museum, let alone it being from Wen Yu—a beauty and top scholar peerless in both literary and martial arts.

Such a celestial being had actually become the Personal Guard of a wastrel Young Marquis? If future generations were to learn of this, how could they not lament such a waste, sighing that a pearl had been cast into darkness? Truly a misuse of his abilities!

His feelings in turmoil, Luo Qianyu silently gazed at it under the moonlight.

Then, he tucked the contract into his robes.

...

Well, good.

The protagonist shou now had a post.

-

The Young Marquis gave Wen Yu one night to settle his family affairs and pack his belongings.

Wen Yu's mother ultimately did not move into the Marquis's estate but was instead settled in a house near the city's medical hall, with servants assigned to attend to her. Two doctors from the estate were also dispatched there. With Doctor Zhang nearby, caring for her would pose no problem.

As for Wen Yu himself, he was not restricted in his movements. He didn't even need to request leave to visit his mother, as long as he stayed by the Young Marquis's side when required and stayed the night at the Marquis's estate like the other guards.

Such preferential treatment was a special mark of favor.

Even the other guards were secretly green with envy. This newcomer, becoming a personal guard even before officially entering the estate—what kind of sorcery had he used to win the Young Marquis's favor? Given special treatment time and again... just because he's good-looking?

How infuriating!

On the way back to the estate.

The red-tailed bird circled in mid-air, flying back and forth, hesitating between Wen Yu's house and the Young Marquis's carriage, even flying through the carriage curtain several times.

Luo Qianyu caught the bird and, his compulsive tendencies getting the better of him, couldn't help but clean its dirty feathers. He said, a bit exasperated, "If you want to find Wen Yu, then go. Don't you like his scent? I don't mind, and I haven't tied you to me, so why hesitate? Keep that up and you'll give Young Master another cold."

To be honest, this Little Bird wasn't really a burden, but it always left claw marks on his shoulder, which needed ointment. It would be better for it to go to Wen Yu, especially since he now had a new little pet.

Unexpectedly, after hearing this, the chubby little bird didn't leave. It perched on the Young Marquis's knee, tilting its head and not even looking at him.

Luo Qianyu didn't mind, but while he had only brought guards when leaving, he returned to the Marquis's estate with one more person... Although Guard Wen hadn't arrived yet, it wasn't hard to guess that despite feeling unwell, the Young Marquis had braved the cold that night specifically for someone.

Before even returning to his courtyard, Luo Qianyu sent for Zhao Nian and gave brief instructions. Then, wrapping himself tightly in his cloak and ignoring the other's surprised questions, he avoided answering and hurried past, rushing back to the Jinlin Courtyard.

His mind was preoccupied with the little rabbit.

Entering the inner room, he found the little creature—a fluffy white ball—curled up in a carved wooden box, fast asleep, with a small blanket placed over it by a maid. Luo Qianyu leaned down, propping himself on his arms to watch for a while, feeling his heart melt. He resisted the urge to pull the little rabbit out from under the blanket and give it an enthusiastic petting session.

Before transmigrating into the book, he had never kept any pets. He never expected that after becoming the Young Marquis, he would get to experience the joys of being a pet owner, and he was quite enjoying it.

At that moment, a bird's head silently peeked out from behind Luo Qianyu's neck.

The chubby little bird tilted its neck, chirped, and its round eyes showed a look of shock.

Luo Qianyu: "..." Oh no, the old pet has encountered the new favorite.

He silently pushed the bird's head back, covered the rabbit with the brocade cloth, pretended nothing had happened, stretched lazily, and had the maid quickly prepare the bed. Without bothering to bathe or wash up, Luo Qianyu buried himself under the covers and fell asleep.

Having been up too late the previous night and suffering from the toxin's damage to his body, he still needed to recuperate after taking the medicine. He slept straight through until after midday the next day.

When he opened his eyes again, it was almost time for dinner. Luo Qianyu thought to himself that Wen Yu had probably already arrived at the Marquis's estate by now. Should he take the initiative to summon him?

He had just seized the man—what would he even say after calling him over? A lecture? A warning about the rules? Initiating a late-night conversation out of the blue might seem a bit like teasing.

Given the Young Marquis's character and the fact that he had resorted to coercion first, in the current situation, it seemed impossible to avoid suspicion of having "ulterior motives."

At this point, Wen Yu's hostility toward him was also far too obvious.

After agonizing for a long time, the Young Marquis finally decided to have dinner first.

However, the little chubby bird that usually clung to his shoulder was unusually quiet today, behaving so well it felt unnatural. It didn't even follow him when he left the Jinlin Courtyard.

Who would have thought that as soon as Luo Qianyu left, the little chubby bird, perched sound asleep on the corridor railing, suddenly opened its eyes.

It flapped its wings, its round eyes filling with ferocity.

The next moment, as if with a clear target, it headed straight for the wooden box in the corner of the Jinlin Courtyard's inner room!

The little rabbit, fast asleep, suddenly twitched its ears and instinctively lifted its head in alert. Before it could react, the little chubby bird swooped down, its sharp beak unceremoniously grabbing onto the rabbit's ear.

Then, it pecked the white rabbit twice in quick succession.

"Squeak—" The little rabbit let out a rare, short cry, kicked its hind legs, and leaped out of the wooden box. Panicking and not knowing where to go, it hopped two or three times and darted out through the half-open courtyard door.

The little chubby bird chirped triumphantly, pursuing the enemy and thoroughly driving it out of its territory.

*

Zhao Nian led the way ahead.

Passing through the Marquis's estate's winding corridors, his steps steady, he carried a lantern in hand. The swaying lamplight illuminated the handsome, jade-like face of the person behind him.

"Guard Wen."

Zhao Nian stopped in front of a side room, pushed open the wooden door, stepped aside, and said, "This will be your room."

"New guards are typically required to share quarters with everyone else. However, the Young Marquis, considering your noble background and your likely discomfort with communal living, specifically ordered a separate room arranged for you as a gesture of consideration."

After saying this, Zhao Nian paused briefly. The Young Marquis's original words had been: "Of course, give him a separate room! He's a captivating beauty shou—throwing him into a pile of guards is no different from feeding a lamb to a pack of wolves! Absolutely not!"

Zhao Nian didn't quite understand, but he conveyed the message based on his own interpretation.

The room was simply furnished: a red sandalwood bed, a small table with tea set, and a bronze mirror by the window reflecting the swaying leaves in the courtyard.

Quiet yet elegant, very suitable for Wen Yu.

Zhao Nian placed the lantern on the table and silently observed the new Guard Wen, his gaze unconsciously tinged with scrutiny and doubt.

Why him, of all people?

If the Young Marquis had taken an interest in someone—say, Liu Er—showing mild concern, spending a little money, meeting occasionally, he could easily enjoy a carefree, no-strings-attached fling. So why go to such lengths—ignoring his own privileged status and obvious reluctance—to compel *him* to come here?

This move carried excessive risk and raised too many questions.

“Security within the Marquis’s residence is tight; discipline is as rigid as iron—no room for frivolity.”

Zhao Nian’s expression was stern as he recited the household regulations by rote, all business: “From now on, while serving here, the Young Marquis takes absolute precedence in everything. Ensuring his safety is your foremost duty—this goes without saying. Every word you speak, every action you take, must be cautious, courteous, and strictly compliant with protocol—never overstepping your station with the young master.”

“If you violate any of these rules, don’t assume the Young Marquis can shield you—the Lord and Lady will show no mercy.” Zhao Nian paused, observing Guard Wen standing tall—neither obsequious nor arrogant. He knew further admonition was unnecessary; this man clearly wasn’t one to break rules. He turned and pointed coldly toward a courtyard ablaze with light just beyond the window.

“The Jinlin Courtyard is the Young Marquis’s private residence. It is not a place where a newly appointed guard like yourself may wander freely.”

“Henceforth, unless expressly summoned or granted explicit permission, you are forbidden from approaching it at will—or you’ll bear full responsibility when household discipline comes down hard… The same applies without exception to personal guards.”

Upon hearing this, the handsome guard remained perfectly composed and replied softly, “Unless summoned, I shall not approach of my own accord.”

“…That would be best.”

Zhao Nian turned away. “It’s late today—the Young Marquis won’t call for you. Rest for now. Report to the front courtyard at mao hour tomorrow to receive your orders. Do not be late…”

Just then, a servant poked his head in and called out, “Brother Zhao.”

“What is it?”

“The Young Marquis has sent word—Guard Wen is to proceed immediately to the Jinlin Courtyard.”

Zhao Nian: “….”

His expression faltered awkwardly. He coughed lightly into his fist to preserve his dignity and said, “The Young Marquis’s command is final. You may go now. There is nothing further to convey here.”

Only after the man bowed and departed did Zhao Nian furrow his brows and sigh deeply. He halted mid-step, gazing thoughtfully after Guard Wen.

Why… did something feel off?

He lifted the lantern, illuminating a corner of the courtyard. Moonlight filtered through the leaves, swaying gently. This courtyard was the closest to the Jinlin Courtyard—also arranged at the Young Marquis’s specific instruction, so he could more conveniently observe Wen Yu during riding, archery, or sword practice.

Zhao Nian stood motionless, his gaze inadvertently falling upon the Jade Spirit Sword Wen Yu had left behind in the room. He couldn’t help but stare—the blade was straight and slender, its scabbard inlaid with delicate silver threads tracing intricate engravings. Bathed in the interwoven moonlight, it gleamed with exceptional clarity and cold radiance.

At the hilt, a white jade orb was embedded.

Its soft luminescence remained subtly veiled within the lantern’s shadow.

Truly befitting the character *jade*.

As he gazed, Zhao Nian suddenly froze—utterly rigid.

When he regained awareness, his palms had begun trembling, as if an indescribable shock were spreading up from the depths of his heart.

His pupils contracted sharply as he stared in the direction Wen Yu had just left. His heart hammered violently in his chest—like a heavy mallet striking hard—leaving him disoriented and bewildered.

Only now did he finally grasp the source of that strange feeling.

And only now did he fully understand why the Young Marquis had gone to such extraordinary lengths—lowering himself to personally bring Wen Yu back to the residence!

Why had the Young Marquis specifically sought out Guard Wen?

To relieve boredom?

No—based solely on the presence of a Jade Spirit Sword, how could anyone draw such a conclusion? Clearly, their statuses were worlds apart; their appearances distinct; their personalities diametrically opposed—two utterly dissimilar individuals, bearing no resemblance whatsoever.

Then what about this Wen Yu…

What was it about him that evoked the Former Crown Prince?

After finishing his meal, the Young Marquis returned—hadn’t even sat down to rest—when a servant suddenly announced, “Young Marquis, Young Master Lou has arrived and is waiting in the front hall.”

*

Luo Qianyu took a sip of tea and replied casually, “Show him in.”

Lou Xian, having learned of his improving health, had been visiting more frequently these past few days. In the past, Luo Qianyu would have unhesitatingly dismissed him to enjoy some peace. Perhaps it was due to the heartfelt confession aboard the pleasure boat—or perhaps because Lou Xian had gifted him a pet—but even Lou Xian himself now seemed more amenable. Besides, having accepted favors, it was difficult to be harsh—what if he’d come to see the rabbit?

Speaking of that rabbit…

The Young Marquis lifted the brocade cloth—only to find the carved wooden box empty. He rose and searched both the inner and outer chambers, yet found no trace of the rabbit.

He initially assumed the maids had taken it outside for fresh air—but upon inquiry, learned that wasn’t the case.

The Young Marquis was baffled.

Where *is* my rabbit?

After searching extensively without success, a maid suggested, “Don’t worry, young master. Perhaps it woke up and hopped out to play on its own. If anyone spots it, they’ll surely return it to our courtyard. I’ll go look for it right away.”

The Young Marquis found this reasonable—and felt somewhat relieved. Yet the little bird perched on his shoulder remained unusually quiet today, standing with its back turned, looking drowsy.

“Why so quiet today? And why facing backward?” Luo Qianyu reached out and gently poked the bird’s rump—only to watch it shake its feathers and emit a vague chirp, still refusing to turn around.

Just then, Lou Xian entered the inner chamber, lifting the cotton curtain. His fox-fur cloak, carrying the chill of frost-laden air, could not conceal the dignified elegance of this uninvited guest.

He asked immediately, “Has the fever broken? Are you feeling better?”

Luo Qianyu murmured a soft “Mm,” watching as the man reached out to feel his forehead. He heard him say, “Indeed, no fever. Strange—there’d been no improvement for days. Did you take some new medicine recently?”

Luo Qianyu’s heart tightened. He didn’t pull away—he suspected he’d already lost the other’s rabbit—but neither did he tell the truth. After all, tracing the Snow Lotus incident further back would inevitably lead to the affair aboard the pleasure boat. And Lou Xian still harbored feelings for that courtesan—how awkward that would be. So he evaded the question: “Nothing… It’s just my robust constitution. It was merely a minor cold—once gone, it’s gone. What’s strange about that?”

In Lou Xian’s eyes, this was the Young Marquis at his most vulnerable—physically and emotionally weakened by recent illness—stubborn, yes, yet his voice soft and yielding, utterly obedient.

Lou Xian顺势 sat down beside the bed and chatted with the Young Marquis for quite some time—until someone interrupted from outside the door.

“Young master, Guard Wen has arrived. Shall I let him in?” A servant entered respectfully.

Upon hearing this, Luo Qianyu started: “Why is *he* here?”

The servant looked mildly puzzled and explained quietly, “Before you retired, young master, didn’t you instruct Guard Wen to come to the Jinlin Courtyard? He’s waiting outside the courtyard now.”

Luo Qianyu suddenly remembered—it *had* happened. But later, amid the chaos of the missing rabbit and the frantic search throughout the Jinlin Courtyard, he’d completely forgotten.

Yet now was hardly the time—with Lou Xian still seated beside him.

The Young Marquis certainly did *not* want Lou Xian to see Wen Yu.

First, it was common knowledge that Lou Xian had long been infatuated with beauty—both in the original story and in reality, love at first sight, followed by lavish gifts. If he learned Wen Yu had become his personal guard—constantly by his side—he might well grow jealous; at the very least, he’d struggle to restrain himself, provoke the man, and spark unforeseen trouble.

Second, Lou Xian had also been present at the Diaohua Pavilion that day at Zhaixian Tower—and Wen Yu had seen him. If he realized Young Master Lou enjoyed close relations with the Young Marquis, he’d inevitably suspect the Mysterious Guest was none other than Lou Xian himself.

Though Wen Yu’s presence becoming known to Lou Xian was inevitable—sooner or later—the Young Marquis hadn’t yet figured out how to explain the whole story to him. And this man had absolutely no filter…

Lou Xian indeed grew somewhat curious and asked, “A guard named Wen? I’ve never seen anyone with that surname around you. Is he a new guard you hired?”

“He’s not new,” Luo Qianyu replied evasively, hurriedly changing the subject and scolding, “Send him away. Can’t you see I’m speaking with Young Master Lou? So lacking in tact.”

Lou Xian was taken aback for a moment.

Then, inwardly delighted, he felt that the Young Marquis was really paying him a lot of attention today. He couldn’t help but wonder—did he really like the gift I sent last time?

So he casually asked, “By the way, where’s that little rabbit?”

Luo Qianyu was caught off guard. Of all things to bring up, why that? His answer came out inexplicably weak: “Probably taken outside by a servant.”

Lou Xian took the tea handed to him by a maid, a little confused. “Why would it be taken out? I thought you liked it and would keep it by your side to play with.”

The Young Marquis sighed deeply, not wanting to keep up the pretense, and simply admitted, “It wasn’t taken out—it’s lost. I lost it.”

He lowered his gaze, troubled. “It was gone when I returned after dinner. I’ve already sent servants to search the courtyard, but it’s been a while now and no one has brought it back. I don’t even know if it can be found.”

Lou Xian’s expression paused slightly. Seeing the Young Marquis like this, his heart gave a little flutter, and he couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “No need to panic? If it can be found, it will be. Even if it’s lost, so what?”

“I’ll get you ten more, twenty more. If you like them, keep them by your side; if you don’t, you can even make stew out of them—whatever makes you happy.”

“…”

Luo Qianyu inwardly screamed in frustration. What kind of twisted, bizarre logic was this? And here he thought Lou Xian had changed! To casually suggest eating a pet kept by one’s side—all appetite, no heart! Not even sparing a rabbit.

But the Young Marquis said, “I only want that one.”

Only liking the first one he gave?

Lou Xian was stunned, momentarily speechless. An indescribable feeling washed over him, like warm tenderness flooding his chest, making his heart feel hot. He reached out and took Luo Qianyu’s hand. “I’ll help you look. It’s just a little thing—it can’t have gone far.”

“No need. There are so many people in my household. Why would you join the search?” Luo Qianyu subtly withdrew his hand, thinking that Lou Xian’s habit of getting handsy while talking was something he’d have to break him of later. He then shooed him away: “You should go back now. My cold just cleared up and I still want to rest more.”

“Alright, alright, I won’t disturb you. I’ll head back now,” Lou Xian agreed repeatedly, coaxing gently. “As for the rabbit, even if it’s not found, don’t get upset. At worst, I’ll find you another exactly like it.”

The Young Marquis hummed in acknowledgment but didn’t respond further.

Young Master Lou stood up, casually draping his outer robe over his shoulders. Just as he was about to leave, his gaze inadvertently fell on a small figure perched on the shelf in the corner. His eyes suddenly froze.

Wasn’t that… the fat little bird that loves incense?

No mistake about it!

That was the gift he had originally intended for the Young Marquis.

And he clearly remembered—this red-tailed bird had left with Wen Yu at Zhaixian Tower back then. At the time, he’d been fuming that he nearly sent someone to investigate Wen Yu’s residence to snatch back this rare creature that had run off with someone else. It was only after receiving the cloak that he reluctantly gave up the idea.

Wen Yu clearly took it.

So why… was it now in the Young Marquis’s room?

-

-

The night grew deeper.

By the time Wen Yu returned to his room, the lanterns and candles within the Marquis’s estate had already been extinguished, and even Jinlin Courtyard had gone dark. Wen Yu’s steps paused lightly. Just as he reached out to touch his bundle, he keenly sensed something unusual in the room.

His gaze swept around, then settled on a snow-white figure curled in the corner.

…

It was a rabbit.

The rabbit was pure white, its fur like clouds, with a small loop of fine silk ribbon tied around its neck—clearly placed there intentionally by someone.

It huddled in the corner, neither moving nor running, as if playing dead.

Wen Yu approached, crouched down, and picked it up with one hand. Though his tone was cool, it carried a trace of imperceptible gentleness: “Where did you come from?”

The little rabbit twitched its nose, failing at playing dead yet not daring to bite. It shrank back slightly but suddenly stretched its head forward and caught the red hair ribbon tied around his wrist between its teeth.

One end of the ribbon tightened briefly, then abruptly loosened.

With that tug, it slipped off entirely.

Wen Yu caught it with his hand. The little rabbit, now temporarily set down, got its wish. The beauty’s gaze also fell upon the ribbon in his hand, lost in thought.

Just as in countless previous late nights, he remained unmoving for a long while.

Lost in contemplation, he suddenly heard the sound of something slicing through the air—a cold gleam shot straight toward his face!

Wen Yu’s brow tightened. He swiftly retreated, only to see that the cold gleam wasn’t aimed at him but rather at that flash of red. In an instant, one end of the hair ribbon was precisely pinned to the wall.

The red tassel at the tail of the throwing dart fluttered slightly, strikingly vivid under the moonlight.

Wen Yu sensed the hostile killing intent that followed.

He looked up and saw a youth standing outside the courtyard gate.

Not far away, the figure wore a Flying Fish Robe, with a saber at his waist. His fingers hooked around a throwing dart that gleamed with a metallic chill. His gaze was sinister and cold, like still water in deep autumn—devoid of ripples yet piercingly icy, staring coldly at him.

He was dressed in the uniform of the Imperial Guards.