Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Only after ointment had been applied to both legs was Luo Qianyu released.

Though he had initiated the request himself, the process had felt constrained and he had to endure it. Luo Qianyu watched as Wen Yu screwed the cap back onto the ointment jar, his fingers not yet wiped clean. His gaze drifted downward to the legs resting against the man's torso, now gleaming with a slick sheen from the salve. The skin, flushed red, appeared strangely sensual.

Luo Qianyu jerked his legs back.

What kind of logic was this—the guard impeccably dressed while his master remained disheveled!

The Young Marquis's face darkened as he sat up and leaned down to put on his shoes. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Guard Wen pick up one of his boots, his hand about to grasp Luo Qianyu's bare ankle. Luo Qianyu avoided the touch and muttered irritably, "I don't need you. Don't touch me. Get away."

Wen Yu's hand paused, then dropped without lingering. He said nothing.

Luo Qianyu got himself fully dressed. The sore, swollen areas did indeed feel much cooler now, but... the lingering sensation of his Personal Guard's fingertips on his knees and calves remained vivid, the memory of their touch still clear. Forcing himself to ignore the strange feeling, he realized the carriage was already nearing the Marquis's estate.

This Personal Guard of his, compared to his initial aloof and distant demeanor, had become much more affectionate and obedient.

Yet, while his words were respectful, his actions showed no such deference.

Clutching a hand warmer, Luo Qianyu waited as the carriage gradually came to a halt. A servant outside lifted the curtain and announced, "Young Master, we've arrived."

Luo Qianyu, displeased, refused assistance from both Wen Yu and the servant. He stepped down from the carriage step, too embarrassed to ask for a footstool like a young lady from the inner chambers. The moment his foot touched the ground, pain shot through him, turning his face pale and making his legs tremble.

Just as he gritted his teeth to take another step, he suddenly felt a tight grip around his waist. He was lifted into the air for an instant before being set down firmly on the ground.

His hand brushed against something soft and smooth. Looking down, he found himself astride a black horse. The person behind him wore the Flying Fish Robe of the Imperial Guards, its intricate patterns embroidered on pure black fabric. A silver-inlaid waist token hung from the ornate belt at his waist. It was Luo Shifu, who had just returned from outside.

A chill carrying the faint scent of blood washed over him. Luo Shifu looked down at the person in his arms and called softly, "Elder Brother?"

Having been spared some suffering, Luo Qianyu secretly sighed in relief. But remembering how his younger brother had just hoisted him onto the horse by the waist, a flush of anger rose to his cheeks. He bit back, "I was just about to get down! Why did you put me on the horse? So reckless and unruly!"

Luo Shifu paid no heed to these words. He simply took the reins and asked, "What's wrong with your legs, Elder Brother? Why is your face so pale?"

Pressed close, the other's scent enveloped him, growing increasingly invasive. Whispered near his ear, Luo Shifu likely hadn't had time to bathe yet. The Young Marquis lowered his lashes, his ear twitching slightly. He suddenly understood why the original owner had been reluctant to let Luo Shifu approach him before bathing.

Luo Qianyu pursed his lips. "What could be wrong? Just an old injury acting up... I'm tired. Take me back to my courtyard to rest."

"I'll go back and apply medicine for you, Elder Brother."

"...No need. It's already been applied." At the mention of this, the person in his arms reflexively stiffened. As the Young Marquis spoke, he instinctively glanced in Guard Wen's direction.

Luo Shifu's gaze followed and landed on Wen Yu.

His eyes instantly turned cold.

The youth glanced sidelong at Wen Yu, his tone light yet frosty, as if laced with ice and snow. "Elder Brother truly found a gem. A Personal Guard who neglects his duty of protection, instead taking on the work of a maid."

...

Luo Qianyu's heart skipped a beat. Could he be referring to the medicine application?

How did this kid figure it out??

At the same time, he grumbled inwardly, *Weren't you just about to eagerly snatch the maid's job yourself? What right do you have to mock others!?*

The "Maid Wen" showed not the slightest awareness, his expression remaining as placid as ever. He merely let his gaze fall upon Guard Wen's fingertips, pausing for a moment before saying coldly, "After all, it was sneaking around. He didn't even bother to wipe his hands clean."

This was blatant provocation.

However, the beauty's expression remained cool and clear, like moonlight reflecting on a cold pond. His sleeves fluttered slightly in the breeze. Before Luo Qianyu could speak up in defense, Wen Yu gave a slight nod. "Attending closely to my master is my duty. How can it be called 'sneaking around'? If any villain harbors such intentions, they would find no opportunity regardless."

The Young Marquis drew a sharp breath.

*Truly a verbal kill, Guard Wen...* That "villain" likely referred to Luo Shifu.

He had indeed never been willing to let Luo Shifu perform such intimate tasks. Not long ago, merely mentioning his intention to recruit Wen Yu had led to a huge argument with Luo Shifu. Though somewhat strange, the matter of a Personal Guard... seemed to be Luo Shifu's sore spot.

But how did Wen Yu discover this?

He hadn't noticed before that the beauty could deliver such precise, heart-piercing retorts—no visible blades or swords, yet striking directly at the vitals.

Sure enough, when Luo Qianyu glanced at his fourth brother's expression, he had never seen the youth wear such a look before.

But it lasted only a moment before vanishing.

Luo Shifu and Wen Yu had first met at West Moon Lake, even unexpectedly crossing blows. Now, less than half a month since Wen Yu entered the Marquis's estate, and with Luo Shifu keeping early and late hours, this was likely only their second meeting. Such tension was understandable.

Although the Young Marquis felt Luo Shifu was acting somewhat off today, it was easy to guess the reason. Since their last encounter, the Imperial Guard had taken an interest in Wen Yu. This current mockery and apparent nitpicking were likely just attempts to capture the beauty's attention.

*A twisted, gloomy, childish brat.*

The Young Marquis had no desire to be seen as a love rival by such a brother, nor did he want to become a part of some love triangle drama! Luo Qianyu's expression faltered slightly, as if struck by a thought.

He turned his face away, interrupting their conversation.

"Wen Yu, prepare to pack. In two days, you will accompany me to the Imperial Academy."

...

Both men were taken aback.

Not waiting for the guard's response, Luo Qianyu took the reins from Luo Shifu's hands and urged the horse toward the direction of Jinlin Courtyard. "Hyah! Back to the estate."

Leaving the two behind, the sky had grown dark. Luo Shifu's voice sounded beside his ear, carrying a hint of the wind, its emotion unreadable and somewhat sinister. "Elder Brother is taking him to the Imperial Academy?"

The Imperial Academy's rules were strict. Each student was allowed to bring only two attendants inside—either as a Tutor or a Page. According to regulations, once studies began, students could not return home except during official breaks. This meant they had to reside in the academy dormitories even at night.

Compared to the luxurious comfort of the Marquis's estate, while the Imperial Academy had its share of young masters from noble and prestigious families, the dormitory conditions were far inferior to home. Though they didn't have to squeeze into large communal beds, they inevitably had to share a courtyard with two other classmates.

Behind closed doors, the only people one could speak with daily were the two attendants brought along. Such constant, close proximity truly took the "personal" in Personal Guard to the extreme.

Luo Qianyu knew he was jealous but could only pretend not to understand. Otherwise, if the Young Marquis went to study alone, leaving the beauty behind at the estate, wouldn't that be like delivering a fat lamb straight to the Imperial Guard's mouth!?

Luo Qianyu kept his eyes forward, lifting his chin slightly without glancing sideways. He said coldly, "Indeed. Last time it was privately recruiting a guard. This time it's selecting a study companion. Does Fourth Brother again find his elder brother's actions improper, and have objections?"

"I wouldn't dare," Luo Shifu's voice paused, then lowered. "This younger brother believes whatever Elder Brother does is right."

His tone was deep and cold, devoid of ripples. "Even if it's wrong, the fault lies with others."

Luo Qianyu was slightly taken aback, instinctively turning to meet the youth's gaze, somewhat puzzled. He merely gave a light hum. "...You know that's right."

But the youth's next words caused the Young Marquis's pupils to constrict and the back of his neck to stiffen. "Elder Brother treats Guard Wen so favorably... do you like him?"

...

Luo Qianyu's heart jolted. He hadn't expected Luo Shifu to ask this question so directly, without any preamble.

He knew that even if he himself had no such intentions, as a buy-stock gong (a protagonist meant to be 'shipped' with multiple love interests), he would inevitably witness the battlefields of various love rivals in the future. He just hadn't expected to become both a witness and a participant so soon.

He sat rigidly on his horse. If he didn’t answer this well, Luo Shifu would likely start setting traps for him from now on, harboring resentment—who could afford to provoke a madman? The Young Marquis forced himself to remain calm, raised an eyebrow, and lied through his teeth: “You jest, brother. A convicted official reduced to a lowly status—I keep him around merely for his martial skills, to serve as a lackey, a mere hound. Where did you get such dirty thoughts?”

“Like him?” He sneered: “Even using him to warm the bed would dirty this Young Master’s mattress.”

“Then why do you let him sneak around?”

Luo Qianyu’s ears burned with embarrassment, and he squirmed uncomfortably: “What do you mean ‘sneak around’? He’s a guard—can’t he assist me in applying medicine?”

“Then may I apply medicine for you, brother?”

So that’s where this was leading. The Young Marquis lowered his lashes. Having just been forced to endure the ordeal of having medicine applied to his knees and legs, he now found himself trapped in another scheme. Gritting his teeth, after a long pause, he squeezed out two words: “…You may.”

“Then I’ll come to your room.”

“…Fine.”