Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Luo Qianyu had a restless night.

The fact that Wen Yu was now in the Marquis's estate, separated from him by just one courtyard—where he might even catch a glimpse of the beauty through the window lattice—made it impossible for the Young Marquis to remain calm and composed.

The beautiful man had become his Personal Guard... which meant, according to the original story's progression, he had now become the most conspicuous contender in the early-stage 'romance stock market.' In the future, he would inevitably face pursuit and covetousness from various rivals, not only unable to focus on the beauty but also constantly having to protect his own life.

That was how his right leg was crippled.

That once high-spirited, vibrant young man, who could gallop on horseback and shoot eagles with a bow, ended up struggling even to walk. Like a crane with broken wings, trapped in the dust of the world, stripped forever of its former pride and arrogance.

Classic Lin Jingyan.

Striking with precision, utterly ruthless, even his methods of dealing with love rivals were so vicious and efficient.

Just as Luo Qianyu had put on his inner robe, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps from outside. A servant rushed in, unusually flustered, and reported in a low voice, "Young Marquis, Eunuch Wang is here. He says he's here with an oral decree from His Majesty, summoning you to the palace for an audience."

"An audience?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Qianyu's brows knitted slightly, and he bolted upright.

The Emperor wanted him to enter the palace? At this time?

Luo Qianyu's first reaction was alarm bells ringing loudly. Since transmigrating into the book, he hadn't truly entered the palace or met the current Emperor even once. A mix of confusion and nervousness surged within him, yet his intuition already told him to refuse immediately.

Anyone who had read this book would have a deep impression of this Emperor.

Who didn't know? The notoriously unhinged emperor of the Da Xi Dynasty. Although outsiders viewed them as having a "childhood sweetheart" bond from growing up together, that wasn't the case.

Rather than "affection," it was more like a cursed fate. Not to mention, not long ago, he had been explicitly named in a memorial, implicating his father as well.

The Young Marquis took off his inner robe, had a maid fetch a thick blanket from a nearby cabinet, casually draped it over his shoulders, and deliberately tousled his hair a bit.

Only then did he lie back down on the soft couch, pretending to be weak and listless.

Not long after, Eunuch Wang was ushered in. He wore a deep purple palace robe, held a horsetail whisk in his hand, and wore a respectful smile on his face. However, his gaze was sharp and shrewd, and the smile didn't reach his eyes.

This eunuch, originally named Wang Dequan, was the chief eunuch serving the current Emperor. Not only did he manage all affairs within the inner court, but he was also the highest-ranking eunuch there. His authority rivaled that of some high-ranking ministers. Many officials, upon seeing him, would respectfully address him as "Eunuch Wang."

Upon entering, Eunuch Wang didn't beat around the bush. He cupped his hands toward Luo Qianyu and said in a somewhat shrill voice, "Young Marquis, His Majesty's oral decree requests your presence in the palace."

Luo Qianyu slightly raised his eyes, coughed lightly, his voice carrying a hint of hoarseness: "Eunuch Wang, what unfortunate timing. My cold hasn't yet cleared up, I'm afraid..."

Upon hearing this, Eunuch Wang's smile remained unchanged, but his tone carried a meaningful nuance as he leisurely said, "Young Marquis, this cold of yours truly comes at a convenient time. The previous two times His Majesty summoned you, you used the same excuse. It's one thing to give *me* that excuse, but this matter must ultimately be truthfully reported to His Majesty. You can't be ill every single time."

"If you refuse again this time, I'm afraid His Majesty might personally come to visit you."

Luo Qianyu felt a chill. He knew he probably couldn't avoid it this time. Feigning weakness, he coughed twice, his tone tinged with helplessness: "Eunuch Wang, you jest. How could I possibly let His Majesty visit me in person? It's just that this cold truly hasn't recovered, and I fear passing the illness to His Majesty."

Eunuch Wang smiled, lightly flicking his whisk: "Young Marquis, rest assured. His Majesty's dragon body is healthy and strong, unafraid of such things. Moreover, imperial physicians are also waiting in the palace. If you feel unwell again, they can treat you at any time."

Luo Qianyu frowned slightly, thinking this old eunuch was truly devious and difficult to deal with. He forced a bitter smile: "Eunuch Wang, you may not know. This cold came on strangely. Even the physicians I usually call are at a loss, and the imperial physicians have all shaken their heads. I've been having recurring fevers these past few days, feeling dizzy and muddled. I truly fear losing decorum before His Majesty, offending the imperial dignity. I hope you can understand and truthfully inform His Majesty."

Seeing Luo Qianyu's repeated refusals, Eunuch Wang had long grown suspicious. His face still wore a respectful smile, but he subtly scrutinized Luo Qianyu's expression. Although the Young Marquis's complexion appeared somewhat pale, there was no sign of illness between his brows and eyes. Instead, he exuded an air of noble elegance, hardly looking like someone severely afflicted by a cold.

He sneered inwardly but showed nothing on his face, still speaking gently: "Young Marquis, although I am a crude man, having been in the palace for many years, I have picked up some superficial medical knowledge. Since you are unwell, why not let me take your pulse? That way, I can report back to His Majesty and spare him worry."

Upon hearing this, Luo Qianyu's heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged. He slightly raised his eyes, looking into Eunuch Wang's experienced, shrewd eyes. He knew the eunuch was acting on the Emperor's orders and would not give up today without probing his true condition.

He cursed inwardly. It seemed he couldn't avoid this ordeal today after all.

"Eunuch Wang, you jest. You, as the Chief Eunuch of the Inner Court, how could I trouble you to personally take my pulse?" Luo Qianyu's tone was calm, attempting a final struggle.

Eunuch Wang, however, smiled and shook his head, with an air that brooked no refusal: "Young Marquis, you are too polite. Although I serve the inner court, I also share His Majesty's burdens. If you are truly unwell, I can report it promptly to avoid delaying your treatment."

With that, before the Young Marquis could speak again, he took a step forward, lightly flicked his whisk, and reached out to take Luo Qianyu's wrist pulse.

Seeing this, Luo Qianyu inwardly cursed, *You cunning old eunuch, getting hands-on already?* Having no more excuses to refuse, he reluctantly extended his wrist, allowing Eunuch Wang to take his pulse.

Eunuch Wang's fingertips were icy cold as they lightly rested on Luo Qianyu's wrist, like a viper's tongue. Luo Qianyu felt a wave of nervousness, his heartbeat quickening. Regardless of whether this old beast actually knew how to read pulses, feeling his pulse would likely reveal his guilty nervousness and accelerated heartbeat.

Eunuch Wang closed his eyes, concentrating as he carefully felt the pulse. His brows gradually furrowed.

Luo Qianyu's pulse was weak and erratic, sometimes rapid like drumbeats, sometimes faint like a wisp of silk. It clearly indicated an unstable dantian and a deficiency of both qi and blood.

"This pulse..." Eunuch Wang opened his eyes, his gaze instantly filling with surprise and inquiry.

Although he couldn't claim medical expertise, having been in the palace for many years and constantly exposed to such matters, he understood a fair amount about pulse readings. The Young Marquis's pulse was definitely not that of an ordinary cold. Instead, it seemed like he had been poisoned, and the toxicity hadn't been resolved.

Seeing Eunuch Wang's unusual expression, which didn't seem like he was about to expose the lie, Luo Qianyu suddenly realized.

He inwardly scoffed. It had only been two days since he was poisoned by the Mistwater Incense and Hazymoon Saliva and received the antidote. He hadn't even drunk the life-saving Snow Lotus medicine twice yet. How could he have recovered so quickly?

On the surface, however, the Young Marquis remained composed, though his tone took on a weak, somewhat wronged helplessness as he said with a bitter smile, "Eunuch, do you believe me now? My body truly isn't suitable for entering the palace, lest I pass the illness to His Majesty."

Eunuch Wang withdrew his hand, his gaze lingering on Luo Qianyu's face for a moment before he performed a bow, his tone apologetic: "The Young Marquis is indeed unwell. I was presumptuous. In that case, I shall take my leave now and return to report to His Majesty."

Luo Qianyu gave a slight nod, his tone indifferent: "I've troubled you, Eunuch Wang."

Eunuch Wang cupped his hands in a bow, as if the earlier probing had been mere casual conversation, then turned and walked toward the door. He lightly flicked his whisk, boarded the carriage, but couldn't help lifting the curtain to look back at the direction of the Marquis's estate receding into the distance. He pondered inwardly: *The Young Marquis's pulse is strange, definitely not an ordinary cold. Could it be he's been poisoned?*

*This matter needs to be reported to His Majesty for further decision.*

Only after Eunuch Wang's figure completely disappeared beyond the courtyard gate did Luo Qianyu slowly sit up, letting out a long sigh of relief. He set aside the thick blanket, leaned back on the soft couch, closed his eyes to rest, planning to catch some more sleep.

Suddenly, light, quick footsteps sounded from outside, followed by a young girl's voice: "Big Brother, are you there?"

Luo Qianyu opened his eyes to see the bead curtain being lifted aside. The newcomer was his third younger sister, Luo Zhiheng.

Luo Zhiheng wore a goose-yellow padded jacket and skirt, with a jade hairpin in her hair. Her eyebrows were thick and her eyes lively. In her hand, she held a silk handkerchief embroidered with butterflies. "Big Brother, what about the rabbit in your courtyard? Has it been found?" She got straight to the point as soon as she entered, asking urgently.

Luo Qianyu shook his head and answered truthfully: "No. Last night, the servants searched the entire courtyard but found no trace."

"How is that possible? It doesn't have wings. The Marquis's estate is so big, it couldn't have flown out... In my opinion, there must be something strange about this." Luo Zhiheng blinked, then suddenly lowered her voice, mysteriously leaning closer. "Brother, do you think... maybe Luo Shifu caught it and roasted it to eat?"

Luo Qianyu: "..."

He gave his younger sister a helpless look. "He's not a gluttonous person."

Luo Zhiheng, however, disagreed, pursing her lips. "Not necessarily. Maybe he holds a grudge against you, Big Brother, skinned your rabbit, and made it into a blanket or something."

She was getting more and more outrageous.

Luo Qianyu found it both laughable and exasperating. He said helplessly, "Such a small rabbit, how could it be a blanket?"

But Luo Zhiheng persisted, taking another step closer. "Big Brother, don't underestimate Luo Shifu. That person has deep schemes. Besides, even if the rabbit is small, skinned, it could make a hand-warmer cover, or at the very least, be sewn into a pouch."

Luo Qianyu couldn't help but chuckle softly at her blasphemous statements, shaking his head. "What nonsense are you thinking about all day, you silly girl?"

Seeing that the Young Marquis didn't believe her, Luo Zhiheng's eyes darted around as if she suddenly remembered something. She hurriedly said, "Oh, right! Speaking of pouches, last time I wanted to borrow Luo Shifu's seal for fun, but he wasn't in his courtyard. While waiting around bored, I ended up finding your pouch in his room."

"My pouch?" Luo Qianyu raised an eyebrow slightly upon hearing this, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

Luo Zhiheng nodded emphatically, her tone very certain. "That's your unique scent, brother. I definitely didn't mistake it. It's the one you lost days ago."

Luo Qianyu, however, didn't take it seriously.

Why would Luo Shifu keep *my* personal belongings for no reason?

Seeing that Luo Qianyu still wasn't concerned, Luo Zhiheng grew anxious, stamping her foot. "I'm not making this up! That pouch clearly had a 'crane' embroidered on it!"

Hearing this, Luo Qianyu's expression froze.

He naturally knew what the crane pattern on the pouch meant—the original title of this book was *Chasing the Crane*, and the crane represented the beautiful protagonist shou, which, of course, was Wen Yu.

Many buy-stock gongs used the crane as a vessel for their affection towards the beauty, projecting their feelings onto it. Embroidering it on personal items and occasionally taking them out was a way to express deep love and longing. Even the Young Marquis's pouch hadn't escaped this trend.

Could it be that Luo Shifu also coveted the Little Beauty and had embroidered the same pattern on his own pouch?

He hid it really well, that kid.

Luo Qianyu's expression remained calm, his voice indifferent. "Perhaps his pouch also has a 'crane' embroidered on it, and you just saw wrong."

Luo Zhiheng immediately said, "If you don't believe me, brother, go check his courtyard yourself! And look for the little rabbit while you're at it."

Luo Qianyu looked at his third sister, both amused and helpless, teasing her. "To be honest, you just want me to go find the rabbit for you, right? You're scared of him, don't dare go yourself, and don't dare let your own servants enter his courtyard without permission."

Luo Zhiheng's face flushed instantly. She stiffened her neck and retorted, "Who's scared of him?"

Luo Qianyu raised an eyebrow, continuing to tease her. "Since you're not scared, then come with me."

Luo Zhiheng immediately fell silent, stammering for a moment before deflating like a punctured ball and lowering her head. "Fine, I'm scared of him."

She muttered quietly, "...Brother, just go check it out, please."

Seeing her like this, Luo Qianyu couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Perhaps influenced by the original Young Marquis, Luo Zhiheng had harbored a hostile attitude towards Luo Shifu since childhood, or perhaps she simply looked down on him from the bottom of her heart. But Luo Shifu happened to be highly skilled in martial arts, and at a young age, he had become an Imperial Guard Battalion Commander. Working long-term in the gloomy environment of the imperial prison had earned him a bunch of intimidating nicknames. As a result, Luo Zhiheng grew increasingly fearful of this fourth brother and didn't dare provoke him lightly.

In the end, he couldn't withstand Luo Zhiheng's persistent pleading. Though not for the pouch, it was for the missing little rabbit. After all, Luo Shifu was usually busy with official duties and often didn't return to the estate. It was possible the little rabbit had wandered off to his place.

The Young Marquis sighed helplessly and had to make a personal trip to Luo Shifu's courtyard.

Luo Shifu's courtyard was located in a remote corner of the estate, secluded and not very large. As soon as Luo Qianyu stepped into the courtyard, he discreetly surveyed his surroundings. The layout was extremely simple, with a few old trees standing lonely in the corners, their sparse branches and leaves looking bleak.

The bluestone slabs in the courtyard were covered with withered leaves, clearly unswept for a long time. Even the lanterns under the eaves appeared old and dim, their shades coated with a thin layer of dust.

Luo Qianyu was secretly surprised. Although he knew Luo Shifu's status in the estate wasn't high, he hadn't expected his residence to be such a stark contrast to his own Jinlin Courtyard.

He walked slowly into the room. The furnishings inside were even simpler: just a wooden bed, a small table, and a few scrolls of books placed on the table.

Though clean, there were no extra decorations beyond that.

He paced around the room but found no trace of the rabbit. Just as he was about to leave, his gaze was suddenly drawn to the pillow at the head of the bed.

A corner of fabric embroidered with gold thread peeked out from under the pillow, its faint fragrance permeating the pillowcase.

Luo Qianyu's brow twitched slightly. He reached out and pulled out the fabric, discovering it was a pouch.

This pouch was exquisitely crafted, embroidered with a crane poised to take flight, so lifelike and vivid that anyone who saw it would surely admire it.

However, the most eye-catching part was the golden cord. Luo Qianyu looked closely and his heart gave a sudden lurch, his fingers unconsciously tightening.

He had always favored gold, something all his siblings in the estate knew, so they usually avoided using the same color scheme for fear of displeasing the young heir. And the fragrance on this pouch was identical to the scent he wore.

This pouch, just as his third sister had said, was the one he had lost days ago.

Luo Qianyu picked up the pouch, feeling perplexed.

Why would Luo Shifu hide my pouch under his pillow? Or had he mistaken it?

No, most likely Luo Shifu had accidentally found it on the road and later forgot to return it... Or perhaps, the crane embroidered on my sachet was more beautiful, and my fourth brother, envious, had secretly taken it?

Getting jealous over a crane?!

Having only met Wen Yu a few times, he hadn't realized this kid was so infatuated.

As he pondered, Luo Qianyu found it rather uninteresting. If it were the original owner, he'd probably be furious, but the current Young Marquis had a different core.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, he suddenly sensed a faint, almost imperceptible presence behind him. His heart skipped a beat. He turned around to see Luo Shifu standing behind him, wearing a black Flying Fish Robe.

"Brother, why are you in my room?" Luo Shifu spoke.

His voice was low, his tone betraying no emotion, yet it inexplicably carried a sense of pressure.

Luo Qianyu's heart began to race wildly. A feeling of guilt, like that of a thief caught red-handed, welled up within him. He suddenly understood why Luo Zhiheng was afraid of him.

Wearing that uniform and asking such a question so nonchalantly—who the hell could handle it?

However, his expression remained calm and composed. Even without a good reason, he had to maintain his composure. "My rabbit is missing. I came to see if it ran over here." Then he added, "Fourth Brother, as a Battalion Commander, you're usually busy with official duties and often not in the estate. If the rabbit ran into your courtyard, how would the owner know?"

Hearing this, Luo Shifu's expression remained unchanged. He only asked calmly, "Did you find it, Brother?"

Luo Qianyu's gaze swept around the room. He pursed his lips, pretending to be disdainful. "No. Your courtyard is shabby and small, everything in plain sight. My rabbit wouldn't even deign to come here."

Luo Shifu listened, his expression still calm, and simply replied, "Yes."

He had expected his fourth brother to retort a few words, or perhaps unable to hold back, show a hint of displeasure and argue with him. But instead, the other remained as composed as ever, as if his punch had landed on soft cotton, with no force behind it.

Then, Luo Shifu suddenly spoke, his voice low. "Brother, have you recruited a new Personal Guard?"

Luo Qianyu, about to leave, stopped in his tracks involuntarily. His heart tightened suddenly, but his expression remained unchanged.

He lifted his chin, pretending to be arrogant. "Yes, have you seen him?"

"Yes."

The Young Marquis raised an eyebrow, countering, "What, since it's already settled, does Lord Luo still have objections?"

Luo Shifu pressed his lips slightly, showing no ripple of emotion. "No."

But he paused, his gaze falling on Luo Qianyu's hair. He spoke slowly, word by word. "I was just wondering, Brother, why the hair ribbon you lost a while back ended up in Guard Wen's possession?"

"..."

This kid's eyes are too sharp.

Luo Qianyu couldn't stay calm any longer. After a brief moment of contemplation, he spoke nonchalantly, "Of course it wasn't lost. It's just that later, when he became my personal guard, I took a liking to him and gave it to him on a whim."

Upon hearing this, Luo Shifu simply asked, "Wasn't that a personal item?"

"…?" Luo Qianyu silently held his breath, thinking to himself, *Wasn't that pouch a personal item too? Yet you still took it!*

The Young Marquis slightly furrowed his brows, his voice tinged with impatience. "Luo Shifu, since when do you care so much? Whether it's a personal item or not, who I give things to and when has nothing to do with you, right?"

With that, he turned to go, his tone cold. "Don't block the way. I'm leaving."

However, Luo Shifu didn't step aside. Instead, he took a step forward, his eyes locked on the Young Marquis.

Only when a flicker of confusion crossed the Young Marquis's face did he hear the other speak in a low voice:

"Brother, you took my pouch."

…

Luo Qianyu didn't remember how he handed the pouch to Luo Shifu, brushed past his shoulder, and left without looking back.

When he snapped out of it, he felt a bit puzzled. Given his personality, why hadn't he grilled him about the pouch until the very end… Why had he obediently returned it this time?

After much thought, Luo Qianyu slightly frowned, unable to find an answer.

Perhaps it was because he didn't want to expose the fact that the other had taken a liking to Wen Yu so early. As for the whole brothers-turning-against-each-other drama, the later it happened, the better.

Just as he stepped out of Luo Shifu's courtyard, still some distance from Jinlin Courtyard and not yet far away, he heard hurried footsteps from behind, somewhat heavy, accompanied by a rough shout: "Big Brother!"

The Young Marquis turned to see his second brother, Luo Baichen, striding toward him, holding a large scimitar that gleamed coldly. Luo Baichen was burly and had a booming voice. If it were anyone else, they would've been terrified by such a sight.

"Big Brother!" Luo Baichen ran up to him, his face showing a hint of excitement. "Can I take your Cloak Horse for a ride?"

Hearing this, Luo Qianyu was momentarily stunned.

Only then did he remember that the Cloak Horse was still stabled at his estate. Originally Wen Yu's mount, it had a vicious temper and remained untamed to this day.

Luo Qianyu thought to himself, *In the original story, Wen Yu was the only master the Cloak Horse ever acknowledged in its lifetime.*

No one else could tame it.

An idea occurred to Luo Qianyu. Why not take this opportunity to give the horse to Wen Yu, returning it to its rightful owner and putting his mind at ease?

So, he feigned a helpless shake of his head and said apologetically, "Second Brother, the Cloak Horse is too fierce. Just a few days ago, it kicked and injured a groom. It really isn't suitable for you to ride. Another day, I'll have someone select a slightly tamer horse for you, one just as beautiful. How does that sound?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Baichen's face clearly showed disappointment, but he couldn't insist. He could only nod and say, "Alright then, Big Brother. Don't forget."

Luo Qianyu smiled and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, I won't forget."

After his second brother left, Luo Qianyu turned and headed for the stables.

The last time he had come to see the Cloak Horse was during those two nights at the Donglang Bridge night market. Even though he had chosen a tamer horse afterward, he still couldn't escape the fate of the horse getting spooked.

From a distance, he could see the Cloak Horse inside the stable, lowering its head to chew on hay. Hearing footsteps, it slowly raised its head. Its entire body was blood-red, its coat smooth, and its hooves clattered as they struck the ground. As Luo Qianyu approached, it flared its nostrils, letting out a low whinny, as if in both warning and challenge.

Standing outside the stable, Luo Qianyu gazed at the Cloak Horse and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

*Indeed, it truly is a peerless steed.*

Kept locked up in the Marquis's estate for so long, its temperament hadn't been worn down in the slightest—its fierceness remained undiminished. No wonder Lou Xian had insisted on giving it to him like a prized treasure.

They say a mount reflects its master… Now that Wen Yu had also come to the Marquis's estate, forced into his service, even if the Young Marquis were to set him free after the three-year contract expired, the Little Beauty's attitude toward him and his undisguised hostility would likely remain unchanged for years to come, hard to alter.

If he was going to give the horse away, the first step was to have Wen Yu tame it himself.

After pondering for a while, Luo Qianyu instructed a nearby servant, "Go and summon Guard Wen. Tell him I need to see him."

As soon as the servant left, the Young Marquis was about to open the stable gate when he heard hurried footsteps approaching from behind:

"Young Marquis! Don't!" A groom, panting heavily, rushed over. He looked quite young, his face filled with fear. "This horse is too fierce! Just a few days ago, it kicked and injured a groom. You mustn't get close!"

*Did he just predict that!?*

Luo Qianyu frowned slightly. "It kicked a groom? What happened?"

The servant wiped the sweat from his forehead and replied, "Reporting to the Young Marquis, ever since this horse entered the estate, it has refused to let anyone near it. A few days ago, when the groom tried to change its horseshoes, he had only taken two steps closer when it kicked him in the chest with its hoof. He's still lying in bed recovering."

This only cemented Luo Qianyu's resolve. This horse absolutely could not stay—he had to have Wen Yu take this menace off his hands.

Standing outside the stable, the Young Marquis gazed at the Cloak Horse, thinking to himself, *If I simply give the horse to Wen Yu without any buildup, acting like some domineering CEO keeping a canary, given the Little Beauty's personality, he would definitely refuse to accept it.*

He had to think of a way to make Wen Yu willingly accept this "gift."

Steeling himself, he stepped into the stable and reached out to untie the Cloak Horse's reins. The horse seemed to sense his intention, flaring its nostrils and letting out a faint whinny, its hooves scraping restlessly against the ground.

Luo Qianyu remained inwardly alert, but his expression showed no change as he softly soothed, "Easy there, buddy. Just a short ride…

…

"Hang in there until your master shows up, and I'll give you away right away."

As he spoke, he slowly moved closer. The instant his fingers brushed the reins, the Cloak Horse suddenly jerked its head with such force that it nearly pulled him over. The Young Marquis's heart skipped a beat as he quickly steadied himself, only to see the horse rearing up, aiming a kick at him.

Fortunately, his reflexes were sharp, and he swiftly sidestepped to avoid it, inwardly relieved at his quick reaction. However, the Cloak Horse didn't give up. Instead, it grew even more frenzied, lashing out with its hooves and crashing against the stable rails with loud *cracks*.

The servants and grooms nearby rushed over, exclaiming in panic, "Young Marquis! Today isn't a good day for riding. You really shouldn't mount it… Be careful!"

But Luo Qianyu paid them no mind, focusing entirely on the Cloak Horse's movements. The next moment, spotting an opening, he leaped forward, attempting to swing himself onto the horse's back.

The Cloak Horse wouldn't let him succeed so easily. With a violent shake of its body, it sent the Young Marquis stumbling, nearly throwing him to the ground.

Gritting his teeth, a stubborn determination surged in him. He approached again, and as the Cloak Horse reared up, he quickly grabbed the saddle, using the momentum to vault up and finally land firmly in the saddle.

Seeing this, the Cloak Horse grew even more frenzied. It reared up again, letting out an ear-splitting whinny. Failing to shake off its rider, it shook its head wildly and charged out of the stable in a frenzy.

The rails shattered into pieces, wood splinters flying, causing the servants and grooms to retreat in panic. Some even fell to the ground.

"Young Marquis! Get down quickly, it's too dangerous!" A servant was wringing his hands anxiously but didn't dare rush forward to rescue him.

Luo Qianyu tightly gripped the reins, his body swaying with the Cloak Horse's violent movements. He inwardly thanked the original owner's riding experience—at least he wasn't a complete novice. Otherwise, he would have been thrown off long ago. Pulling the reins tighter, he whispered soothingly, "Cloak, bear with it a little longer. First impressions are important, you know? You have to leave a good one for your master…"

"…" Unexpectedly, this damned horse paid no heed. Instead, it bucked even harder, thrashing more violently as if determined to throw the Young Marquis off its back.

It charged through the backyard, knocking over flowerpots and startling the maids and servants in the estate, who fled in alarm.

Luo Qianyu held the reins tightly, bracing himself as he thought, *If this goes on, the situation will spiral out of control sooner or later. Why hasn't my Handsome Guard arrived yet?*

Just then, the Cloak Horse made a sharp turn. The sudden turn threw Luo Qianyu off balance, his heart leaping into his throat. He quickly tightened the reins, nearly unseated as his body tilted dangerously.

At that critical moment, a figure swiftly darted out from the side, moving with agile grace.

The man appeared to be dressed as a guard. He grabbed the reins, leaped up, and landed smoothly on the back of the Cloak Horse. With arms outstretched, he firmly pulled Luo Qianyu into his embrace.

A familiar scent washed over him from behind, carrying a hint of cold ink fragrance, mingled with a faint trace of herbal aroma.

Luo Qianyu felt a wave of relief, and his tense body suddenly relaxed. He tilted his head slightly, the surprise in his eyes fleeting, though his heart continued to race.

“Young Master, hold tight.”

Wen Yu’s cool, clear voice murmured close to his ear.