Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Luo Qianyu found it quite strange. "I've returned to school, so why is he crying?"

Before he transmigrated, the original host seemed to have been frightened by the palace coup three years ago. He had been intermittently ill since then, and even when not sick, he was often drunk in pleasure quarters, rarely sober. Perhaps because of this, his memories were also fragmented and incomplete.

Yet he remembered the main characters—his parents, siblings, the Crown Prince, and even those potential love interests he had encountered.

Even after searching his mind, he couldn't recall this person. They likely weren't close.

Zhao Nian thought for a moment, lowering his head. "I don't know the details either. I don't usually accompany the Young Master to the classroom. Perhaps there's some misunderstanding... or maybe he was simply overjoyed and cried from happiness."

Upon hearing this, the Young Marquis chuckled softly and reached out to pinch Zhao Nian's cheek. "You're trying to fool me? If he were crying from joy, wouldn't he have eagerly sought me out after packing his books and leaving class? Do you think I'm an idiot?"

Zhao Nian was momentarily stunned by the pinch, then smiled as well.

So it wasn't his imagination—the Young Marquis's mood had indeed improved recently. It vaguely felt like a return to the carefree days in the Eastern Palace by the Crown Prince's side. Not only did he rarely visit those unsavory places anymore, but his smiles had increased, and he had become more cheerful. Zhao Nian couldn't help but wonder if this had something to do with Wen Yu.

Although Wen Yu was sought out as a substitute... if he conducted himself properly, harbored no devious thoughts, and didn't overstep boundaries, yet still managed to please the Young Marquis, it might not be a bad thing.

"Tell him to stop crying. His weeping is annoying me," Luo Qianyu said, wrapping himself tightly in the brocade quilt and turning his back to the candlelight with a leisurely, cold snort. "And tell him if he doesn't stop crying within the time it takes an incense stick to burn, this tyrant will personally go over and beat him up."

Zhao Nian: "..."

Zhao Nian started to get up from the bed, seemingly hesitating between going and not going. When he looked up, his eyes met Wen Yu's.

Wen Yu seemed to let out a faint sigh, or perhaps not. He simply took the lamp from Zhao Nian's hand. "I'll go."

Zhao Nian seemed not to trust him with the task. After a moment's hesitation, he half-doubtfully instructed, "Very well. His page is already afraid of me. However, Young Master Su is sensitive by nature. Guard Wen, please be careful with your words and avoid offending him. Choose your words thoughtfully."

Wen Yu merely nodded before leaving the room.

Luo Qianyu pricked up his ears to listen. He initially wanted to call after him and stop him but couldn't think of a reason to do so, so he let it be.

Not long after, the stifled sobbing actually stopped.

A short while later, Wen Yu returned with the lamp, extinguished it, and went back to his room, which was very close to Luo Qianyu's. Luo Qianyu's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and instead of feeling sleepy, he became more awake.

When Zhao Nian went earlier, he naturally represented Luo Qianyu. Perhaps he had the page relay the message, yet Young Master Su hadn't stopped.

Luo Qianyu couldn't help but wonder: What did Wen Yu do?

The next day, before dawn had fully broken, he was awakened by Zhao Nian.

Disturbed by the neighboring Young Master Su for half the night, Luo Qianyu hadn't slept well. Now, he was drowsy and listless, squinting as he washed his face and rinsed his mouth. Feeling the cold, he just wanted to curl up in his quilt. It even took him a long time to put on his inner robe sleeves.

Tasks like holding the copper basin and handing over towels were usually done by attendants or maidservants. Now, at the Imperial College, conditions were limited, so Zhao Nian took over. Having accompanied him for three years, Zhao Nian was adept at these tasks, almost eager to handle everything personally.

His personal tutor was efficient, meticulous, and thorough. Apart from being a bit prone to nagging, there was nothing else to criticize.

Meanwhile, Wen Yu was nearby, organizing the books, ink, and brushes needed for class later. He wasn't wearing his usual black guard attire but a moon-white robe, which made him appear even more elegant and noble, like an orchid or jade tree, with an ethereal bearing.

If the original host had seen this scene, he would have perversely forced the protagonist shou to perform intimate, servile tasks. But Luo Qianyu had no such interest. He knew Wen Yu came from a noble family and naturally couldn't lower himself to serve others. No matter how long they spent together, Wen Yu wouldn't do it.

Just as the Young Marquis was eating breakfast and drinking porridge, he suddenly heard a voice from outside, in the courtyard—an almost uncontrollable, furious outburst. Even through the hanging flower gate, the gist was audible:

"Damn it! Who was crying and wailing last night, mourning a death? It kept me from sleeping well. School is already annoying enough. Sharing lodgings with others is just like this. They had to make me come to this godforsaken dump. It must be that Su kid! The son of some fifth-rank official from a powerless, low-pay office, and he dares to be so obnoxious and irritating... Get out of my way! Try stopping me again if you dare. Do you want to die?"

Faintly, he could hear what seemed like a page trying to persuade someone, the voice low and indistinct.

Not long after, the sound of a flowerpot shattering came from the courtyard, startling to hear.

Luo Qianyu knew this outburst from the other neighbor was useless because Young Master Su had sneaked out early in the morning, moving extremely quietly, as if afraid of being confronted first thing.

Swallowing the last shrimp dumpling, before Zhao Nian could frown and step out, Luo Qianyu unhurriedly set down his chopsticks, stood up first, and walked to the lattice window.

The next moment, his eyes met those of the person in the courtyard.

"You..."

The young heir, broad-shouldered and long-legged, couldn't conceal his ferocity. Upon seeing Luo Qianyu, his expression clearly showed surprise. But before he could finish speaking, the window was already closed.

Luo Qianyu sat back down, and outside, it finally quieted.

He leaned over and uncovered the furry ball that had hidden itself in his brocade quilt, scared stiff. This Jade Ball was good in every way except for being too timid—at the slightest disturbance, it would find a crevice to squeeze into.

Strange. Before giving it away, the young rabbit hadn't been this timid. How had Wen Yu raised it to become even more skittish?

The Young Marquis went to the classroom early in the morning. The empty desk was obviously his. On it were an inkstone and two stacked books. On the page was a drawing of a dog, though it was poorly drawn and looked more like a turtle.

Luo Qianyu frowned.

"Young Marquis, you're back!"

"These past few days without you, the classroom has been as dull as stagnant water, so boring..."

"We heard you were unwell. Are you better now?"

"Heir Guan has been in a foul mood these past couple of days. With no one to rein him in, it's been hard for everyone to handle..."

...

As soon as he sat down, several classmates crowded around him. Luo Qianyu had little impression of these people. Just as he dismissed them with a few words, he vaguely noticed a few others on the other side of the classroom, watching him coolly and expressionlessly. Their gazes were scorchingly cold, hard to ignore.

Luo Qianyu thought to himself, Could it be that ancient schools also had cliques?

The Outer College had many students, mostly children of high officials and nobles, so such things weren't strange. But from the looks of it, it seemed like they were divided into two factions, and he was the leader of one side? Then who was the other prominent figure?

Just as he shifted his gaze, his eyes met someone else's. Luo Qianyu suddenly remembered—this was the neighbor he had seen through the window lattice that morning.

The person was leaning against the windowsill, expression dark, one long leg propped up, exuding a cold, menacing aura that seemed palpable.

Seeing him like this, memories surged in Luo Qianyu's mind, and he vaguely recalled the general details. This person was named Guan Mingyang, the heir of Prince Yiyang, known as the Young Prince. The Yiyang lineage descended from the former emperor's younger brother, carrying the noble blood of the imperial family. Although their rank wasn't far from the Luo family's, this connection to the imperial household gave him a slight edge over Luo Qianyu.

Even without keen perception, it was obvious the two were at odds, irreconcilable as fire and water.

Luo Qianyu felt a headache coming on.

He was past the age of being arrogant and confrontational with so-called "rivals." The current Young Marquis not only had to figure out how to survive and protect himself against the irresistible plot of the book but was also forced to keep the protagonist shou by his side while dealing with the pursuit and obstruction from his various romantic rivals...

He had no time to play house with these noble young masters. Even if he did, he couldn't spare a moment.

Not long after, Director of Studies Song entered the classroom.

Seeing Luo Qianyu, Director Song didn't say much or reprimand him. He only asked about the missed assignments, advised him to find time to catch up, and urged him a few more times.

Luo Qianyu struggled through half a day of classes before realizing the Imperial College's workload was far heavier than expected. That day, there was a pop quiz specifically on the text taught the previous day. Director Song randomly called on several students to recite, choosing relatively simple passages. Finally, he summoned Luo Qianyu to the front and asked him to continue reciting.

The text was something the Young Marquis had studied before taking leave.

He'd only just learned it, but the next day he failed to recite it and got his palm smacked with a ruler until it was red and swollen. It took several days for the swelling to subside.

Not far away, several gazes fell upon him, malicious, as if lying in wait to see him make a fool of himself.

Fortunately, Zhao Nian had crammed with him the day before, highlighting key points and even anticipating that Director Song would test this very passage. Luo Qianyu had memorized it in advance. Steadying himself, he recited it aloud, his words flowing like pearls falling onto a jade plate—smooth and uninterrupted from start to finish.

A silence fell behind him.

The Young Marquis returned to his seat, noticing Guan Mingyang's gaze fixed on him. The young man pretended not to notice, but his eyes fell on the crudely and hastily drawn dog on the page of his book. He frowned slightly, then tore out the page, crumpling it into a ball in a few swift motions.

With a toss, it landed right onto Guan Mingyang's desk.

The crumpled paper ball rolled twice across the sandalwood table, teetering precariously at the edge, swaying but not falling.

The Young Prince, however, took his time. He extended a hand with distinct knuckles, crushed the paper ball in his palm. As his fingertips exerted force, fine shreds of paper fluttered down.

Then, Luo Qianyu heard a faint, almost imperceptible cold laugh.

-

After class, the Young Marquis intended to return to his own dormitory. Zhao Nian had already left, and he didn’t let Wen Yu follow him, relying on the original host’s memory to find his way back.

But as he walked, he gradually realized that the number of classmates around him was dwindling. The walkway gradually gave way to a path winding through pines and cypresses. This path hadn’t seemed so long when he came. It suddenly dawned on him this didn’t seem like the way to the outer dormitories.

He had clearly chosen the path based on old memories, acting on instinct. How did he end up so far off course?

Did the original host rarely return to his own outer dormitory? Then where else would he go?

Luo Qianyu hesitated only for a moment between "following instinct" and "returning to the dormitory early" before resolutely deciding to turn back.

However, after taking just two steps, he suddenly heard faint rustling sounds from under a nearby corridor, as if someone was walking in his direction.

At first, it was walking, like fallen leaves hitting the ground, but it quickly turned into hurried footsteps, approaching faster and faster from a distance. Finally, they were running straight toward him.

Luo Qianyu’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. He instinctively moved to dodge, but a gust of wind carrying a chill from the fluttering sleeves brushed past his face, and someone pulled him into a tight embrace.

The other's body held a trace of coolness, but his face couldn’t conceal his delight. If they weren’t outside, he probably would have picked him up and spun him around a few times.

"A-Yu! When did you return? Why didn’t you send word to tell me?"

Luo Qianyu also recognized the other person. However, with inner dormitory students coming and going incessantly, he felt both surprised and socially awkward. Luo Qianyu coughed lightly and patted his shoulder: "I just settled in yesterday and had to meet the Chancellor and the Director of Studies. I got busy and forgot to tell you. Did you just finish class too?... Lou Xian, let go already. With all these people coming and going, what kind of spectacle is this? If you keep fooling around, I’ll never come again...!"

Hearing this, Lou Xian reluctantly let go. The Young Marquis immediately stepped back three feet, afraid this person would casually express brotherly affection again when he wasn’t paying attention. The young man put on a stern, proper show of anger: "Can’t Young Master Lou behave more discreetly? This is the inner dormitory grounds. I’m not supposed to be here. Drawing so much attention—do you want others to seize my faults and find fault with me?"

"Come if you want to. Why care about others? Who would dare find fault with you?" Lou Xian frowned slightly, crossing his arms. His ink-jade-like eyes swept the surroundings, and a few students who had been sneaking glances hurriedly lowered their heads and walked away. He sneered, "Let’s see who’s not afraid of death and dares to gossip."

The Young Marquis didn’t respond and turned to leave.

Lou Xian hurriedly stopped him, his mind racing as he pressed further: "A-Yu, this isn’t the direction to your dormitory. You... came specifically looking for me?"

Luo Qianyu’s "No" was on the tip of his tongue, but he swallowed it back.

Because he wasn’t sure how he had inexplicably ended up here either. The rest was just him spacing out and acting on subconscious instinct. When Lou Xian asked, even he felt somewhat confused.

Seeing Luo Qianyu turn his head away, purse his lips slightly, and still not answer, Lou Xian’s heart leaped with joy. The Young Marquis really was his absolute best friend!

He tightly grasped the young man’s wrist, pulling him along as he turned and walked: "Come on, let’s go to my place. I have your favorite jade silk cake, still crispy enough to crumble."

Luo Qianyu remembered that Lou Xian didn’t like sweets. When they used to go out together, he wouldn’t touch the pastries on the table at all. He couldn’t help but ask: "Don’t you dislike eating this? Why do you have it in your dormitory?"

Lou Xian’s footsteps paused for a moment, somewhat surprised: "You actually know that?"

Luo Qianyu didn’t think much of it, lowering his gaze and speaking softly: "Why wouldn’t I know? In the past, when we shared a table, you even found candied fruits too cloying."

Lou Xian’s steps slowed slightly. After a short while, he said: "I figured you’d be returning to school these past few days, so I had someone make them and send them over."

The Young Marquis’s brow twitched slightly. He knew the Imperial College had strict rules, and the living conditions were much stricter than back home. Such delicate pastries were not only difficult to find a cook to make but also hard to smuggle into the school. Puzzled, he thought for a moment and asked again: "Weren’t you unaware I was returning today? How did you happen to have these prepared?"

"It wasn’t a coincidence." Lou Xian didn’t turn back, his voice mingling with the wind passing through the corridor. He sighed and didn’t look at him either: "I didn’t know when you’d return. I’ve just been preparing them every day since the day you left school."

...

The light was fading. The Young Marquis was almost full and intended to bid farewell but was persuaded to stay for dinner. He knew Lou Xian’s two attendants, so he felt unusually relaxed and at ease. Besides the jade silk cake, there was also the chestnut pancake he had missed a few days ago due to being in low spirits after punishment—crispy on the outside, soft and glutinous inside.

After eating and drinking his fill, and playing with crickets with Lou Xian for a while, he finally got up to leave the dormitory.

The other person even offered to see him off. Luo Qianyu decisively stopped him. Didn’t he know Lou Xian? Once he started seeing someone off, it would never end. He might even escort him all the way to his dormitory and run into Wen Yu.

"Stay where you are!" Luo Qianyu raised his hand to press against the other’s chest. Seeing him still about to step forward, he hooked his foot out and kicked him in the back of the knee. "If you follow me again, you'd better watch out, or I'll really get mad!"

Seeing he was truly about to lose his temper, Lou Xian leaned his shoulder against the doorframe and stopped.

Luo Qianyu patted his stomach. If he keeps feeding me like this, before I could even run away, I’d get too fat to mount a horse. Maybe this was Lou Xian’s real goal—to butter me up so he’d have a chance to see Wen Yu. Well, I won’t let him have his way.

The outer and inner dormitories weren’t far apart. Moreover, he had taken a shaded shortcut based on memory on the way here, with few twists and turns, so he wasn't likely to get lost.

Just as he had covered more than half the distance, he suddenly heard the wind. The next moment, he was dragged into a shadowy patch of woods.

His heart hammered in his chest. The shady spot backed against a stone wall, even the shadow of the dormitory was swallowed up. Apart from them, there was no one else to be seen.

The other person held him tightly in his arms, constricting his neck—a position that could be fatal if held too long. Luo Qianyu gasped in surprise, about to ask "Who?!" when the other covered his mouth first. He felt the other's violent exhalation vibrate against his ear, the voice speaking right behind him, resonant and deep.

"Little Fox, you’ve really gotten smarter."

The other person was arrogant and rude, his tone like ice-cold blades: "To avoid me, Young Master, you feigned illness for so many days, even fooling the Emperor. What crooked trick did you use... Did you take cold-food powder, or did you pour cold water on yourself?"

Luo Qianyu found the voice familiar, but it wasn’t someone he was close to. Because just this morning, he seemed to have heard this voice, though compared to now, it was clearly much more irritable then...

It was Guan Mingyang!

"Going to such lengths must have been quite an effort, huh?" Guan Mingyang’s long arm was like iron, holding him firmly in place as he sneered: "Did you think you could escape? Now that you’re well, aren’t you back in school?"

Good grief, it’s bullying!! Since crossing over, due to his delicate and noble status, no one had dared to bully him so blatantly. Let alone constricting his neck like this... "What the hell... You're the one who's full of yourself!" Overwhelmed by anger, he didn’t care about modern or ancient times and cursed at him: "Who’s feigning illness? Who said it was to avoid you? Who do you think you are? What gives you the right, you’re not even worthy!"

Unexpectedly, the Young Prince wasn’t angry at all. Instead, he dismissed it: "Your mouth is the hardest part of you. After a few days apart, has Young Marquis Luo even forgotten his arch-enemy’s name? That’s not right. I even left my mark in your book today. You seemed quite pleased when you saw it."

Mark?

Luo Qianyu suddenly remembered the dog drawn in ink on his book page that morning—crude, hasty, and crooked, with even the dog’s ears drawn unevenly, which had disgusted him. Coincidentally, Guan Mingyang kept staring at him, his scrutinizing gaze not hiding any hostility. An inexplicable anger rose in his heart, and he casually crumpled the page into a ball and threw it, originally just as a warning, onto that person’s desk... So he'd accidentally thrown it at the very guy who drew it?

The Young Marquis was speechless: "That dog in my book—you drew it?"

"Dog?"

The other’s voice also paused, then he actually laughed, laughing loudly, making his ears ring.

Luo Qianyu knew it was him and was so angry his liver hurt. Although he didn’t know why this person was laughing, he didn’t forget to seize the opportunity to mock him: "Young Master Guan, that’s not how you sign your name. If you fancy my books, I, Young Master, in my great mercy, can give them to you! Why act like a wild dog, marking territory by pissing... ugh!"

The Young Prince was stunned for a moment, then laughed in anger. Taking advantage of the disparity in strength, he tightened his grip, freeing two fingers to grip the jaw of the person in his arms, rendering him unable to speak, even stifling the whimpers in his throat.

This hurt so much the Young Marquis’s tears almost fell.

The Young Prince was clearly being called a dog for the first time, his expression noticeably darkened as he let out a cold laugh. "That's no stray dog—it's clearly a sharp-toothed, sharp-clawed Little Fox. Luo Qianyu, it's been a few days, and you've become even more quick with your tongue. Did you go back and bury yourself in your studies? Too bad your swordsmanship is so poor and your hand-to-hand combat is no match for mine. You used to avoid me whenever you saw me, and when you got really angry, you'd run to the Upper Division. Now that the Crown Prince is dead, have you finally been cut from the teat? Not only are you more unforgiving with your words, but your guts have gotten bigger too!"

Luo Qianyu shook with rage. Damn it, now *that* was a masterclass in bullying. It seemed the original owner had been fine before, but after returning to school this time, thanks to this Young Prince, he'd probably suffered quite a bit. His brows tightened, and he opened his mouth, about to shout something.

Guan Mingyang raised an eyebrow, covering his mouth with disdain. "What are you shouting for? Looking for your Crown Prince brother again? Luo Qianyu, the Crown Prince has been dead for three years. You're not in the Upper Division anymore—no one's protecting you now."

The fingers were practically shoved into his mouth, touching his tongue. Luo Qianyu suddenly bit down hard, the taste of blood instantly spreading across his tongue. He spat out, "...Wen Yu!"

There was still some distance to the student quarters. Located on a secluded path at the border between the outer and inner dormitories, surrounded by rugged rockeries and dense foliage like curtains, aside from the occasional page passing by, few people usually came through here.

For Wen Yu to find this place was sheer fantasy. Though Luo Qianyu knew calling for help was hopeless, completely impossible, he still instinctively shouted that name.

The Young Prince winced in pain but didn't let go. Just then, a gust of wind swept through, carrying strands of hair, and in an instant, a figure closed in.

Though carrying no weapon, the force was precise, fierce, and sharp, a hidden force like a thunderbolt striking, making his meridians tingle and go numb. Guan Mingyang felt a tremendous force crash into him, exploding with a roar that left his ears ringing. He was thrown uncontrollably backward, falling onto the gravel path three steps away.

A twitch jumped at the corner of Luo Qianyu's brow.

Freed, he felt a hand support his wrist, the warmth of the man's palm still lingering on his neck. Wen Yu stood before him, poised like an unsheathed sword, his black robes fluttering in the wind, his features looking as if carved from jade, strikingly handsome, but a chill radiated from him, almost tangible.

"As imperial nobility, bullying a fellow student like this—aren't you afraid it will damage the reputation of the Yiyang Prince's Manor?" Luo Qianyu heard Wen Yu's voice, devoid of any fluctuation.

The Young Prince's gaze was fierce, vaguely sensing the newcomer's extraordinary skill, and he said, his voice thick with suppressed anger, "And who are you?"

Guan Mingyang looked him over openly, his gaze sweeping over his attire and the distance between him and the Young Marquis, finally lingering on Wen Yu's face for a long time—in Luo Qianyu's eyes, it was a blatant stare. The man paused, then his eyes narrowed in sudden understanding, a low chuckle escaping his throat.

"So this is why the Young Marquis has been absent for days, skipping school entirely—he's acquired a guard of devastating beauty. So the rumors *were* true. I was wondering why you'd forgotten all about the Imperial Academy. So all your thoughts are here now..."

"And now you dare to bring him right into the Imperial Academy, out in the open? Since you're putting it on display, Young Marquis, are you no longer planning to keep him hidden away? When you tire of him, why not lend him to us so we can have a look? I've never had a go with a man before... Ouch!"

Luo Qianyu kicked him in the knee.

This kick held nothing back, putting nearly all his strength behind it, aimed accurately. Even Guan Mingyang, clearly a trained fighter, grunted, clenching his fingers, his eyes darkened terrifyingly.

"Yes! I've touched him all over, I've slept with him, and it was *nothing special*! If you have a taste for other men's leftovers, I don't mind giving him to you if you don't find him dirty. But with that pathetic little prick of yours—who in the world could you satisfy? The fawning whores in the pleasure houses are more your speed!"

The Young Marquis, after delivering that kick, grabbed Wen Yu's hand and took off running.

From far behind them came the sound of an enraged voice:

"...Luo Qianyu!"

Back at the student quarters, Luo Qianyu closed the door, shutting that whole mess outside. Suddenly feeling drained, he sat down on the cold stone-tiled floor.

Zhao Nian was out shopping and hadn't returned yet, so only he and Wen Yu were in the outer hall.

Jade Ball heard the noise, twitched its nose, and upon seeing familiar people, perked up its pink-white ears, hopping a few times before leaping into the Young Marquis's arms.

Wen Yu had expected the Young Marquis, who had just been so defiant, to continue to curse the other once the door was closed. He was surprised to see a look of deep regret wash over the young man's face as he muttered to himself.

Wen Yu, a rare flicker of surprise in his eyes, bent down, about to advise the young master not to sit on the cold floor of the outer hall. But as his gaze swept over, he realized the Young Marquis wasn't being willful—his legs were weak, unable to support him.

As if speaking to Jade Ball, yet unsure if he was actually addressing him, his Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he whispered, "It's me, my fault! It's all my fault. How could I think of calling you here?"

"...I thought the high walls of the Imperial Academy made it a quiet, safe place, better than staying at the estate. But you've been targeted. The original book didn't have this Young Prince character. Damn it... I brought this upon you! His family is prominent, his ancestors related to the imperial family. The Yiyang Prince's Manor is powerful. He dares to bully and provoke even me. If he sets his sights on you, if he really wants to do something, it'll be even easier... I..."

His eyelashes cast fine shadows under his eyes, a look of guilt gradually surfacing on his face. The seemingly fierce retaliation earlier was just an empty shell built with all his strength.

"Young Marquis."

Seeing Luo Qianyu ignore him, Wen Yu knelt on the ground, meeting his eyes, and said, "This subordinate does not regret acting earlier."

This was also the first time the two had looked at each other so seriously, without any other distractions.

Luo Qianyu thought Wen Yu was going to interrogate him about what he meant by "touched him all over, slept with him too," but that wasn't the case. He managed to gather his thoughts. "You... what did you say?"

The black lapels of his robe brushed the ground as his gaze unexpectedly met the other's eyes. "Since the young master appointed me as your guard, allowing me to protect you, this subordinate has never considered retreating."

He reached out, placing the dazed Jade Ball into the young man's cold palm, his fingertips brushing against it, a fleeting warmth. "In this position, I fulfill my duties. Acting earlier was part of my responsibility, and it was also my choice. Though the Yiyang Prince's Manor is powerful, the Young Marquis has seen my skills. Holding my own against them might not be impossible."

Seeing Luo Qianyu about to speak, he lightly placed a hand on his own knee, not applying pressure—he knew his injury wasn't fully healed—but his voice was calm and firm, offering a sense of reassurance. "Even if the worst should happen, if I fall into someone else's hands, that is my fate, unrelated to the young master."

With his movement, a faint, elusive cold fragrance wafted. "In the future, when you see Guan Mingyang again, Young Marquis, there is no need to fear. Before the contract period ends, I will protect you with my life, ensuring he never harms you again."

...

The air fell silent for a few moments.

Luo Qianyu's throat moved. He opened his mouth, then pressed his lips together. "...Cold."

Guard Wen's voice softened, lowering. "What did the young master say?"

"It's so cold here." Luo Qianyu lowered his gaze, repeating, "This outer hall is freezing, bone-chilling. I want to go inside."

Then, tapping the ground lightly with his toe, he said, "Pick up Jade Ball."

Before the words fully left his mouth, warmth suddenly enveloped his waist. Wen Yu's arm wrapped around him, lifting him steadily. Luo Qianyu stiffened, the tips of his ears turning bright red. The original owner, being frail and noble, was used to being carried, but even after so many times, he still couldn't get used to it. He struggled to get down. "I meant Jade Ball! You... why are you carrying me?"

Wen Yu's expression remained cool and indifferent, but he walked straight into the inner room. "The young master's injuries haven't healed, and the cold from the floor can easily enter the body... Isn't this carrying Jade Ball?"

The evening light filtered through the straight window lattice. Luo Qianyu was speechless, unable to argue. That night, however, he stuffed the little rabbit into Wen Yu's bedding, not allowing it onto his own bed.

That night, crying came from the neighboring room again.

...

Luo Qianyu opened his eyes on the soft embroidered pillow, endured it, then turned over and closed his eyes again.

Forget it, forget it.

If he couldn't keep his composure, what difference was there between Guan Mingyang to him and himself to the Su family's young master? Though he wasn't afraid of the Young Prince, the Su family's young master feared him. For that reason alone, since they were all here to study, why cause trouble by visiting and potentially giving the other psychological trauma?

For some reason, he remembered the first puppy he ever raised. On its first night home, the little one howled in the living room all night, continuing for three nights, and comforting it didn't help. Humans are generally braver; perhaps after tonight, the crying would stop.

The next day, Luo Qianyu got up with dark circles under his eyes.

When he walked into the courtyard, the sky wasn't yet light. He had woken up so early, only to find that Young Master Su had already slipped away, leaving behind a page who was wiping the window railings.

Luo Qianyu silently recited a calming mantra, not seeking to interrogate anyone. He remained in the courtyard, holding a jade-colored longsword.

When Wen Yu came out, he realized the young master was waiting for him. He stopped, a look of confusion in his eyes.

"Starting today, every day at mao hour, right here in this courtyard, teach me swordsmanship, martial arts, and archery." The Young Marquis slung the longsword behind his back, pondered for a moment, then added, "I don't seek to become peerless in martial arts. I just want to be able to protect myself when I'm alone outside."

His expression faltered slightly, as if afraid Wen Yu wouldn't agree. He hesitated, then offered his bargaining chip:

"For every day you teach me, you'll have to follow me for one less day."

The night mist gradually dispersed, the rising sun casting a golden glow upon him. Luo Qianyu's eyes burned brightly as he lifted his lips in a light smile.

"The day I complete my training will be the day of your freedom."