Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Although he knew Wen Yu would come, and considerable time had passed since the night market—and the young marquis had already injured his waist earlier, having already gone through that part of the story—so even if he recklessly mounted the horse now, it was highly unlikely anything serious would happen.

Yet when it came down to actually doing it, the young marquis had to admit he was scared.

How could he be so certain Wen Yu would save him?

The little beauty could very well not come at all, or simply watch coldly from the sidelines. After all, it had only been a couple of days since he had snatched him back. In Wen Yu's eyes, he was nothing but a bully who takes what he wants, greedy and lecherous.

Who would risk their life to save their mortal enemy?

The near-fall from the horse left him shaken, his heart still pounding. Wen Yu's appearance undoubtedly brought him a huge sense of security. Strangely, this feeling wasn't the first time.

The Wen Yu who let him hide behind him at Zhaixian Tower, the Wen Yu who escorted him back to the manor outside Donglang Bridge, or the Wen Yu on the painted boat at Xiyue Lake, who alone rescued him ashore amidst the pursuit and encirclement of several skilled assassins...

It seemed only Wen Yu could evoke this unshakeable sense of security within him.

At the sound of Wen Yu's voice, the young marquis instinctively tightened his grip on the reins. His back pressed against the other's chest, feeling the other's warmth against his back, his heartbeat still racing.

Wen Yu took the reins in one hand, just to steer them straight before releasing them, letting the young marquis control the reins himself.

With his other hand holding Luo Qianyu's waist, his voice as cool and detached as ever, yet each word clear, he said softly, "Lower your body, squeeze with your thighs, go with its movement, don't force it... Young Marquis, are you still afraid?"

Luo Qianyu's throat moved, managing to snap out of his panic. He instinctively leaned forward slightly, tightening his grip on the reins while silently clamping his knees together. Not forgetting to shoot back stubbornly, "Who's afraid? It's you meddling—I was just getting the hang of it."

He didn't know if Wen Yu believed him or not, only hearing a low "Mm" in response before he spoke after a moment:

"Don't let it sense the fear in your heart."

Cold sweat beaded on Luo Qianyu's temples, and he pressed his lips together.

Every part of me is terrified of it; it'd be harder for it not to notice.

*Cloak* let out a whinny, arching its back. Luo Qianyu's heart pounded wildly, yet the other's words inexplicably echoed in his ears. He didn't loosen the strength in his hands or legs, steadying his posture under that silent guidance.

Being held in the other's arms like this felt protective, encouraging, and incredibly safe. The fear that had permeated his entire being moments ago vanished without a trace. For the first time, he felt strangely powerful, as if he could grasp control over his own life and death—an illusion, perhaps.

*Cloak* shook its head, its sleek mane rippling. It accelerated and decelerated several times, but the rider on its back remained as steady as Mount Tai. It carried them straight for dozens of meters, weaving around before finally returning to the Jinlin Courtyard.

The servants who saw this looked astonished, noticing the horse's pace gradually slowing down.

In a matter of minutes, *Cloak* slowed even further, shifting from a gallop to a leisurely walk.

The young marquis exclaimed joyfully, "We did it!"

This feeling was incredibly rare.

After all, the body he now inhabited was frail and delicate. Since transmigrating into the book, moments of being at others' mercy far outnumbered those where he could take charge. Luo Qianyu couldn't help but laugh, excitement shining in his eyes, feeling such exhilaration for the very first time.

It suddenly dawned on him: rather than saving him,

it was more like... Wen Yu was teaching him.

For a moment, he felt a little confused. Had he tamed *Cloak*, or had Wen Yu?

Today's actions were originally just meant to return *Cloak* to its rightful owner, to gift the horse to Wen Yu. How had it come to this?

Just as Wen Yu was about to dismount, Luo Qianyu felt a spike of panic and said coldly, "How presumptuous. When did I tell you to get down?"

*Cloak*'s image in the original work was too deeply ingrained. Luo Qianyu couldn't help but suspect the horse was tricking him, that once Wen Yu left, it would start bucking again.

Wen Yu was slightly taken aback before replying softly, "This horse has been tamed by you, Young Master. Even if your subordinate is not by your side, it will not put you in danger."

"I don't care... you're not allowed to leave."

The young marquis's voice paused, not turning his head: "I want to stroll around the back garden. You hold the reins."

Wen Yu took the reins and, fortunately, didn't press further, merely parting his lips to say, "As you wish."

The back garden had many trees, making it much quieter. No servants followed behind, leaving only him and Wen Yu.

Luo Qianyu felt somewhat awkward. After all, just two days ago he had forcibly brought the other here. They were supposed to be mutually hostile, yet today the other had saved him, and now they were sharing a horse. Given their identities as the young master and his personal guard, not to mention Wen Yu, even he felt a bit disoriented.

Moreover, after riding for so long, the young marquis's delicate skin couldn't take it anymore; the inside of his thighs were chafed and sore. In the past when riding, he would always use a soft cushion, but today he had rushed out without any preparation.

Luo Qianyu decided to make it quick and said coldly, "Since you saved me today, I recognize your service. This horse, *Cloak*, is hereby awarded to you."

He could tell Wen Yu had frozen, then, unsurprisingly, refusing coldly: "A fine steed is valuable, and it is also your cherished possession, Young Marquis. Your subordinate does not dare accept it."

"Cherished possession?"

"When did I ever say that beast was my cherished possession?" Luo Qianyu kept his gaze forward, not letting Wen Yu catch his expression, evasively saying, "No matter how spirited a fine steed is, once tamed, it loses its appeal. Looking at it again feels utterly dull."

Wen Yu was slightly stunned, his thin lips pressing together, saying nothing.

"Since this beast is fond of you, and you have the skill to tame it, just take it away. Save me the trouble of having it in my sight."

...

Meanwhile, Chun Sheng, hearing the commotion from Jinlin Courtyard, had just run over. Who would have thought that passing through the back garden, he would have a chance encounter with *Cloak*?

He instinctively looked up, his gaze fixing on Wen Yu's face before shifting to the young marquis. His eyes widened in surprise, "Young Marquis, isn't that the one from that day...!"

Luo Qianyu's expression changed instantly. He quickly dismounted, strode over to Chun Sheng in a few steps, raised his hand to cover the other's mouth, and said in a low voice, "Come with me."

Caught off guard, Chun Sheng could only make muffled "mmph" sounds, his eyes still wide with shock.

"You've mistaken him for someone else."

As soon as he released his hand, Chun Sheng caught his breath and whispered, "Young Master, isn't he the gentleman you rescued at Hanshan Temple that day?" Then, his gaze fell on Wen Yu in his guard uniform, as if confirming, "Your servant didn't mistake him—it's him!"

"Keep your voice down." Luo Qianyu sighed softly, "He is now my personal guard."

Chun Sheng was taken aback, opening his mouth as if to say more, but seeing Luo Qianyu unwilling to elaborate, he swallowed his words. A look of confusion crossed his face as he muttered quietly, "Why doesn't the young master want your servant to speak of this? Does this gentleman have some connection with you?"

Luo Qianyu choked up.

There were indeed many connections, and indeed, they were hard to explain.

Seeing the young marquis fall silent, Chun Sheng knew he had guessed correctly and gave an awkward smile. He stole a glance at Wen Yu, thinking to himself: That gentleman is exceptionally good-looking, truly breathtaking. Back then, when he was affected by the incense, the young marquis risked his life to save him. And now, that handsome guard had, through twists and turns, become the young marquis's personal guard. As for their connection, perhaps...

A sudden understanding flashed in Chun Sheng's eyes. He couldn't help but reveal a smile, saying sincerely, "Truly a perfect match."

"It seems the wish your servant made at Hanshan Temple has actually come true. It must be fate."

Hearing this, Luo Qianyu, not understanding, asked, "What perfect match?"

Chun Sheng said straightforwardly, "Your servant means that handsome guard and the young marquis are truly a perfect match. The young master has excellent taste, actually managing to keep him by your side as a personal guard. In your servant's humble opinion, it's not just a perfect match—it's a match made in heaven, a flawless pair!"

Luo Qianyu almost choked on his own spit, coughing lightly as he was so angry he laughed, unable to resist retorting, "How are we a good match?"

Chun Sheng excitedly began ticking points off on his fingers, "Everything is well-matched! You two look great riding together—your appearances, temperaments, skills, family backgrounds..." He paused, closing his eyes as he exaggerated, "Though this guard's origins are unclear, since he has caught the Young Marquis's eye, he must be extraordinary!"

Luo Qianyu said, "He was forced here by a contract, I basically kidnapped him. How is that a good match?"

Chun Sheng was taken aback but remained unconvinced, "So what? Feelings can grow over time."

"Isn't that how it always goes in the storybooks? A contract, a forced takeover, but in the end, they still end up sweet and loving, devoted for life?"

Luo Qianyu: "..."

Those storybooks are a bad influence.

"In any case, don't tell Guard Wen about what happened at Cold Mountain Temple. Even if you meet, act as if you've never seen him before." Luo Qianyu paused, putting on a stern face, "And as for those words like 'well-matched' or 'feelings growing over time,' if you dare spout such nonsense again, I'll dock your monthly allowance!"

Chun Sheng scratched his head, "...Understood."

*

That night.

Luo Zhenchuan stepped through the manor gates, dusty from the road. The sky had already darkened, a layer of frost clinging to his shoulders, his boots echoing dully against the bluestone pavement.

The servants in the manor bowed in greeting as he returned. The old marquis didn't break stride, clutching tightly a scroll wrapped in silk cloth embroidered with the Ministry of Rites emblem—obviously something very important.

He headed straight for the Young Marquis's study. Zhao Nian was guarding the study door and, upon seeing the old marquis, hurriedly bowed, "Master, you've returned."

Luo Zhenchuan nodded slightly, apparently not planning to enter, and handed over the scroll in his hand, in a stern voice, "Take this. Tell him to study it carefully."

With that, after only a few instructions, he turned and left.

Zhao Nian received the scroll with both hands. It felt heavy in his hands; beneath the silk, the scroll was firm and solid. He respectfully replied, "Yes, Master."

Luo Qianyu had been drinking Snow Lotus for several days, and the fever was completely gone. Not only could he ride horses again... he could also sit at his desk and study.

The medicine had just been applied to his inner thighs, and his desk was piled high with the schoolwork he had neglected recently. The Young Marquis was miserable. Seeing Zhao Nian push the door open and enter, he looked up and asked, "My father came? What did he say?"

Zhao Nian placed the scroll on the desk and said, "Young Master, these are the examination papers of past Metropolitan Exam Top Scholars. The master specifically requested the original manuscripts from the Minister of Rites and instructed you to study them thoroughly."

"Past exam papers?" Luo Qianyu seemed puzzled, "The Da Xi Dynasty has a tradition of printing exemplary essays into booklets. Aren't there ready-made books available on the market? Why go through the trouble of requesting these?"

Zhao Nian quickly shook his head, explaining, "Young Master, how can copies compare to the originals? These are the handwritten manuscripts of the top scholars and second-place candidates. The handwriting is neat, the brushstrokes deliberate and nuanced—where could you find such things on the market? The master must have put in a lot of work to borrow these papers."

Luo Qianyu took the scroll, unwrapped the silk cloth, revealing the exquisitely bound scroll inside. Though the pages had yellowed with age, they remained smooth and new, faintly exuding the scent of ink.

As soon as he unrolled the scroll, he saw the year marked on it... clearly from the imperial examination a decade ago.

Luo Qianyu's gaze fell on the handwriting at the beginning of the scroll, and he froze.

How could the top scholar from ten years ago be Lin Jingyan's own handwriting?

That scoundrel Lin Jingyan was actually a top scholar?

Luo Qianyu lost interest. Besides, even with the metropolitan exam approaching, these old papers wouldn't be of much help to him. The original owner had neglected his studies for years; it would be better to brush up on how to write eight-legged essays than to improvise on the exam day.

However, as his eyes inadvertently fell on the first character of that page, and he began reading carefully, waves of emotion gradually stirred within him.

...

How to describe it?

Lin Jingyan's examination paper was a masterpiece, each word a pearl, every sentence cutting to the heart of contemporary issues. It displayed both grand vision and nuanced reasoning. It was evident that Lin Jingyan back then was not yet a venomous man... but a simple provincial candidate, driven by a heart full of ambition for the country and its people.

One line in particular—"Power is like a blade; wielded with integrity, it can cut away the flaws of the land. Selfish desires are like poison; once indulged, they will rot the roots of the state." Luo Qianyu couldn't help but read it aloud.

It was impossible not to applaud in admiration.

Not to mention the neat, powerful handwriting, every character and sentence seemed to contain the aspirations and passion of that year, majestic and imposing, as if through the paper, one could see the passionate top scholar of that time, bending over his desk, wielding his brush with fervor.

The sheer quality...

Luo Qianyu had to admit that the scoundrel had earned his position as prime minister through genuine talent and learning.

He read it over two or three times, until deep into the quiet night, still unable to get enough.

If he had never met Lin Jingyan and saw this paper in modern times, he would undoubtedly want to worship this top scholar. Though all of this was a fictional setting and he was merely a book transmigrator, he felt as if he had been pulled into the tides of this world's long river, unable to settle for a long time.

The Young Marquis admired it for a while, reluctantly set it aside, and casually flipped through the rest. Suddenly, his movements halted.

Before leaving, Zhao Nian seemed to have mentioned something: "There is one examination paper among them that has already been invalidated and should not have been passed down. It's likely difficult to find traces of it on the market now. If the Young Marquis wishes to keep that paper, you may do so."

Keep it?

Perhaps it was from a long time ago, or perhaps the candidate could have become an official but committed some offense before or after, which is why the paper was invalidated.

Though Luo Qianyu didn't believe there could be an essay comparable to Lin Jingyan's, he still idly flipped to the next one to pass the time.

And the moment he saw the name at the beginning of the scroll, he froze.

It was an examination paper from three years ago.

—And the name of the top scholar was Wen Yu.

His father had actually obtained Wen Yu's paper?

Luo Qianyu was stunned for a long moment before pinching his palm, barely regaining his senses. He unrolled the paper and instinctively began reading from the start.

Not long after, he couldn't help but take a light breath.

Compared to his earlier admiration, this time, as the cold wind from outside poured into the study, the Young Marquis remained completely unaware, his fingertips growing cold.

The more he read, the more astonished he became, until a sudden gust of night wind blew, causing the paper to flutter wildly.

Only then did he barely snap back to reality.

Luo Qianyu hurriedly reached out to press it down. The wind grew stronger, and he saw the brush on the desk trembling, about to roll off and stain these hard-to-obtain papers. His father would surely kill him. He hastily reached out to grab it.

But the nearest page rustled loudly, swiftly flying out the window. Before it could blow farther, it came to an abrupt halt, landing in someone's arms.

Luo Qianyu looked up, meeting a pair of light-colored eyes—

It was Wen Yu!

A sudden panic gripped him. Seeing Wen Yu take the paper, his gaze clearly faltering—likely having seen something. The Young Marquis felt as if struck by lightning and frantically ordered, "Don't look!"

Luo Qianyu abruptly stood up, gripping the wooden ledge as he vaulted over the window. Perhaps spurred by adrenaline, his heart pounded wildly. In two steps, he was right in front of the Little Beauty.

"Close your eyes."

Luo Qianyu commanded.

His heart was still hammering, but fortunately, Wen Yu listened to him this time. His lashes fluttered, and he actually closed his eyes.

Luo Qianyu pulled out the exam paper, rolled it up, and held it in his hand. This time, he didn’t sneak in through the window but pushed the door open to return to the study. When he sat down, his forehead was still burning.

“…In the dead of night, without my summons, what are you doing in my study on your own?” Luo Qianyu picked up his brush, not even looking up as he struggled to calm his panic. He diligently maintained his character and couldn’t resist teasing the little beauty, saying, “Could it be that after I gave you that cloak, you felt uneasy and decided to offer yourself? Unfortunately, this young master isn’t in the mood for that tonight…”

The top scholar himself, however, showed no anger. He only said softly, “This subordinate came to deliver something.”

Luo Qianyu froze, pausing his brush. “…What is it?”

Wen Yu reached out, his hand hovering near the edge of the desk. The Young Marquis was drawn to the movement and only then noticed that something seemed to be stirring gently within the other’s sleeve—and then—

Out popped a little rabbit.