Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Luo Qianyu took this opportunity to pin Wen Yu down.

Or rather, he planted himself atop Wen Yu.

His earlier frantic thrashing had caused his calf, which had bumped against the corner of the table, to be gripped by Wen Yu. The pain made him tremble, a gasp escaping him, and he nearly fell. It was then that Wen Yu freed one hand to brace his waist.

Having gone this far, the moment was quite ripe. One could say that all that was missing for Wen Yu to slash his face was a handy weapon.

The beauty had just bathed. The Jade Spirit Sword he typically wore at his side was not in place, his hair was loose without a jade hairpin. However, the storybook didn't specify exactly what was used to inflict the injury, leaving a lot to one's imagination. If Wen Yu hadn't thought of it, he could fill in the blanks for him.

Just as he was looking around, his gaze inadvertently fell on the side of Wen Yu's ear. Luo Qianyu stared.

Strange... it seemed even redder than before.

The Young Marquis gaped. He was partly shocked, while another part couldn't help but genuinely worry about his Personal Guard's well-being. He asked, "Wen Yu, why are your ears so red?"

"..." The beauty's eyelashes fluttered slightly, but he said nothing.

He asked again, "Have you caught a chill too?"

"..."

This time, it took Wen Yu a long moment before he parted his lips, managing only one word: "...Too?"

The Young Marquis hummed in affirmation, propping himself up slightly. The smell of wine still clung to him, and his voice was soft. "A few days ago, Lou Xian wanted to teach me calligraphy. Before half an incense stick's time had passed, he was in this state. He said it was due to catching a chill."

Wen Yu's fingertips paused slightly, a strange flicker passing through his eyes before it was instantly concealed.

The air fell into dead silence for a moment.

Luo Qianyu's eyelashes trembled, and he averted his gaze, also sensing that it had become too quiet. It wasn't until he heard the man speak again, his tone clear once more, "Didn't get your fill of fun outside, Young Master? Still have the energy for this sort of thing back at the study quarters?"

The Young Marquis was taken aback.

Because this line wasn't in the book, and Wen Yu had never said such a thing before.

Not only did it go beyond the storybook, but it was also abrupt and seemingly out of nowhere. He was momentarily at a loss for words. The young man raised an eyebrow slightly and, adhering to the principle of not backing down even when lacking confidence, shot back, baffled, "What sort of thing? Guard Wen didn't go with me, so how would he know what I did or played outside? Has he developed heavenly vision?"

"The Young Master carries the scent of alcohol mixed with cosmetics. It's not difficult to guess."

When Wen Yu lowered his gaze, his expression was even colder than before, chillingly aloof. He parted his lips and said, "Since you couldn't bring your Personal Guard along, it must have been some upright and honorable affairs."

"..." The protagonist shou is so good at being sarcastic!

Luo Qianyu was momentarily speechless. His flushed earlobes peeked faintly from beneath his dark hair. He pressed his lips together and retorted, "Nonsense. I only drank one cup of wine. The rouge scent just rubbed off on me from someone else... Besides, what if I did drink? What if I did consort with courtesans? I didn't celebrate my birthday at the estate, and even Zhao Nian didn't follow me. He isn't angry, so why are you?"

The implication in these words was quite clear.

Wen Yu wasn't as important as Zhao Nian, nor did he hold as high a position in the Young Marquis's heart as Zhao Nian. Places where even Zhao Nian didn't accompany the Young Marquis, Guard Wen was even less qualified to tag along.

Wen Yu's voice grew increasingly calm, just inexplicably chilly: "This subordinate wouldn't dare be angry."

The Young Marquis grumbled to himself, and his mouth also voiced his thoughts softly, "If Guard Wen wanted to go, he could have gone. Who was stopping him? I didn't take you because those pleasure quarters are a mixed bag, those young masters are a den of wolves, with many harboring ill intentions. Not letting you go was for your own good."

He knew that Wen Yu wasn't the traditional, universally adored protagonist shou. Not only did he possess an immortal-like, peerless beauty, but he was also accomplished in both literary and martial arts, without a trace of delicate weakness. He was a truly clear-minded, self-possessed gentleman like jade.

Now it seemed he was also the type who "knows there are tigers on the mountain but insists on going there"! Not only was he utterly unaware of his own looks, but he was also curious about... that kind of place. Hadn't he suffered enough last time at Zhai Xian Lou?

What a worrying shou!

The Young Marquis gritted his teeth, also getting angry. "Besides, who I play with—since when is it your place to manage?"

Wen Yu turned his face aside, his eyelashes casting a fan-like shadow on his eyelids. His face was like cold jade. The hand supporting him moved away as he said coolly, "In that case, I must trouble the Young Marquis to release this subordinate."

Luo Qianyu: "..."

Wait.

This direction of the conversation... seems a bit off, doesn't it?

Wasn't he supposed to be molesting Wen Yu? How did they end up arguing?

He had acted out the scene from the storybook without the slightest deviation. Not only had he verbally teased the protagonist shou, but he had even sacrificed his lips and teeth. Having suffered such an extraordinary insult, the beauty should, in theory, be ashamed, indignant, and drawing his sword in response.

Strangely, why hadn't Wen Yu harmed him in the slightest?

Was what he did still not outrageous enough?

Just as he was pondering this, a shattering sound rang by his ear.

Both of them paused, following the sound. A fluffy white figure poked its head out from the desk, its nose twitching, facing the area below the table edge where a porcelain bowl lay shattered into several pieces.

—It was Jade Ball.

Staring at the fragments scattered on the floor, the young man was stunned for a moment before his eyes suddenly lit up.

Luo Qianyu leaned down. The tightened hair ribbon slipped off, and his dark hair cascaded down. He casually picked up one of the porcelain shards, half-clasping it in Wen Yu's hand, and said coldly, "If I let you go, what kind of forced affair would this be? Wen Yu, I'm giving you this chance. You can kill me. I'll stop right here, leaving you untouched."

"But if you can't bring yourself to do it, then I'm going to begin."

As for how exactly to begin, the Young Marquis hadn't thought that far... Anyway, in the storybook, he didn't even get to start before Wen Yu slashed him. This wasn't the problem to worry about now. Although the original owner feared pain, he could endure it. Thanks to Jade Ball's assist, the Young Marquis, now further incensed by shame and anger, was also going to paint on the beauty's body.

Seeing the other's gaze turn completely cold, the Young Marquis, sensing success was near, felt joy in his heart.

So, striking while the iron was hot, he moved his brow slightly. His fingertip brushed past his own lips, then his thumb pressed against Wen Yu's lips, rubbing twice. The unfamiliar sensation felt like an electric current, making his own palm go numb instead. To play the rogue to perfection, he let out a soft laugh: "Has Guard Wen been kissed here before?"

Before his words fully fell, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him, which abruptly halted at the door.

Immediately after came the sound of a sharp intake of breath.

The Young Marquis turned his head, his body stiffening along with it:

"Chun Sheng?"

Chun Sheng was dressed in servant's attire. Clearly, he hadn't expected to walk in on such a scene either. His voice stammered: "Th-that, Young Master, forgive this offense. Your servant had no intention of disturbing the Young Master's... affairs. This lowly one will withdraw immediately..."

With that, he hastily turned around, nearly tripping over the threshold in his hurry.

Luo Qianyu: "...Wait!"

This timing was just too coincidental. It was one thing for Wen Yu to see him in this frivolous state, but now a third person had witnessed it. It was simply social death.

Luo Qianyu stood up, tossing away the porcelain shard in his hand. Only then did he notice that his palm had, at some point, been seeped with small trails of blood. He put his outer robe back on and walked to the door of the outer hall, resuming his usual haughty, noble young master demeanor, though the faint red at his ears betrayed him. He asked in a low voice, "Chun Sheng, why have you come to the Imperial Academy?"

Chun Sheng answered honestly, "Madam said the Young Master drinks the osmanthus milk paste she personally makes every year on his birthday. This year coincides with the return to studies, and the birthday isn't being celebrated at the estate. Madam specifically ordered your servant to deliver it. It's still warm."

Hearing the words 'milk paste,' Luo Qianyu's expression flashed with embarrassment. He silently glanced at Wen Yu, whom he had just pinned down moments ago. "I don't care for such things. Take it back, or drink it yourself."

Chun Sheng said hurriedly, "How can that be? This was personally made by Madam Sun..." He paused, then asked, "Young Master, have you been drinking?"

So obvious? No wonder Wen Yu noticed it right away.

Luo Qianyu gave a noncommittal "hmm" and asked, "Do I reek of alcohol?"

Chun Sheng shook his head, "Not heavily, but you seem a bit wobbly." He advised, "Drink this, and I'll help you bathe and wash up. Then you can rest early."

"No, I won't drink it." Luo Qianyu took it and placed the osmanthus milk paste on the table, his thoughts in disarray.

It seemed going along with the story had failed. What would happen next? He had done as the script said, but the male lead didn't cooperate, and someone interrupted. Would it still be blamed on him?

The only silver lining was that with Chun Sheng's arrival, he could avoid being alone with Wen Yu. After all, just moments ago, he had nearly taken the male lead's first kiss.

Luo Qianyu thought for a moment and whispered, "I don't feel like sleeping here tonight."

It'd be better to find a safer place to rest and plan my next move later.

Chun Sheng was a little surprised. "Does Young Master want to go back to the estate?"

Returning now would mean running into his father, who would scold the Young Marquis for not staying properly at the Imperial Academy and being negligent and fond of play. So, he shook his head vigorously, "You go back first. I'll stay at the Crown Prince's quarters. As for bathing, I can handle it myself."

Before leaving, he didn't forget to take Jade Ball.

Just as Luo Qianyu had walked a short distance, Chun Sheng followed, as if worried. "I'll escort you there."

Although the Young Marquis showed no unusual expression, he was still affected by the alcohol, his steps a bit unsteady. Chun Sheng wanted to support him, but before his hand could touch his clothes, the Young Marquis swatted it away. "I'm not a lightweight who collapses after one drink. Why support me? If you want to help, hold Jade Ball for me."

"..." Seeing the young man's resolute attitude, Chun Sheng could only take the rabbit. As soon as Jade Ball settled into his arms, it sneezed.

The sound was faint, and its nose quivered.

Then it sneezed three more times.

Luo Qianyu: "?"

This was the first time he had seen Jade Ball sneeze. He leaned down, wiping its nose with his palm and rubbing its head. The little creature squinted and buried its head. "I've never seen it like this. Has it caught a cold as well? It must have been infected by Wen Yu. If I'd known he kept such a delicate pet, I would have sent it to Zhi Heng's courtyard. I wonder if there are veterinarians in this era..."

Chun Sheng was taken aback. "A cold... a veterinarian?"

Luo Qianyu nodded. "It's what we call a cold. Even rabbits can get sick. Although veterinarians in ancient times mostly treated livestock, the medical principles ultimately come down to the same thing."

Chun Sheng let out a soft laugh, as if not understanding. "It's only an animal. What does it matter if it dies? Why go through the trouble? If the Young Marquis wants one, you can always find another."

A slight frown touched Luo Qianyu's brow. He glanced at Chun Sheng, withdrew his hand, and said nothing more.

When they arrived at the Crown Prince's quarters, it was as Ling Xi had said. The place had been cleaned, with not a fallen leaf in the courtyard. The bathing pool held clean water, and the stove was stocked. If one wanted to bathe, hot water would be ready in less than half an incense stick's time.

Luo Qianyu stretched out his foot, touching the water with his toes. The temperature was just right.

Actually... it was even more comfortable than the pool at the Marquis's estate. No wonder they said luxuries could sap one's ambition. Every corner seemed crafted to suit his preferences. Once one stayed too long, this comfort became a habit, making it hard to leave.

The Young Marquis was naturally fair, having never endured the military camp's grit nor the horse grounds' dust. As the Crown Prince's companion for over a decade, raised in deep courtyards and the palace, he was untouched by the sun.

Still dressed with his hair loose, his face looked even colder. The exposed skin of his feet was smooth as jade, his toes like pearls, toenails tinged the pink of blooming crabapple. Reflected in the water, they gleamed like snow.

Chun Sheng stoked the stove. As steam rose in tendrils from the pool, he moved to help the Young Marquis undress.

Luo Qianyu pulled his slipped robe back on and suddenly asked, "Chun Sheng, did you bring the folding fan my mother gave you months ago?"

Chun Sheng nodded quickly. "It's in my clothes. I've carried it all along."

He reached in and took out the fan—the golden one. The Young Marquis took it, hefting it in his palm. It felt heavy. He snapped it open suddenly. The gilded ribs were ivory, scented with sandalwood, edged with silk gauze. It created a light breeze.

The fan brushed his nose. The Young Marquis waved it lightly, releasing a faint fragrance.

Barely noticeable.

Unlike the clean scent of bamboo and paper, this was like the sweetness of floral honey... similar to pollen.

Luo Qianyu reclined on the divan, eyelids lowered, deep in thought. Before he could nod, Chun Sheng leaned over, fingers hooking the ties, carefully loosening his robe.

Luo Qianyu suddenly raised his hand and slapped Chun Sheng.

A crisp "smack" echoed.

The slap landed with force. Chun Sheng's face turned, a red mark swiftly blooming on his cheek.

"You dog of a servant, have you forgotten so soon who gave you this fan?"

Luo Qianyu stood up, his fan-holding hand pale as snow, pulling his robe tighter. "You are not Chun Sheng."

His gaze grew colder by the second. "Who are you, really?"