Chapter 90

Chapter 90

The next day, dust swirled over the training grounds in the western suburbs.

Luo Qianyu, dressed in martial attire, had brought Yunshan along. The Arctic Wolf, confined to the Marquis’s residence day after day, seized this chance to get some fresh air. Its fur shimmered under the sunlight, radiating an imposing and noble aura.

Chun Sheng waited to the side, holding the reins, and couldn’t help but ask as he watched the Young Marquis carefully examining various horses, “Young Master, why not ride Windrider?”

Luo Qianyu tested the reins of a black steed, gave a gentle tug and said, “Whoa… That horse and I have never seen eye to eye. If it were to trip me up on the battlefield, I could easily lose my life.”

Chun Sheng scratched his head, puzzled. “But didn’t Guard Wen help you tame Windrider?”

Luo Qianyu coughed lightly, quickly correcting him. “He’s not Guard Wen anymore. He’s Young Master Wen now, the future Lord Wen.”

Chun Sheng grinned at this. “You have a point, Young Master. Young Master Wen used to spend all his time with you, but now you’re going your separate ways. I’m still not used to it.”

Luo Qianyu said nothing.

He sighed softly.

Indeed, without realizing it, more than half the term of their original agreement had already passed.

For most of the day that followed, Luo Qianyu selected a gentle, fine steed and practiced riding repeatedly, striving to familiarize himself with the horse and adapt to the jostling of riding, which he was long out of practice with. During breaks, he stood aside observing the soldiers’ drills, quietly memorizing the relevant commands in his mind until dusk began to fall.

By the end of the day, Luo Qianyu was utterly exhausted. Too tired to return to the residence for dinner, he stopped to rest at the nearest inn, Fanlou.

Inside Fanlou, candlelight flickered, and the faint sounds of silk and bamboo instruments drifted through the air, mingling with the scent of wine and food, which made for a rather cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Luo Qianyu didn’t request a private room, instead choosing a corner seat by the window. Yunshan crouched at his feet on the inside, its silver-white tail curled around its front paws, drawing curious glances from people at the neighboring table.

Just as the waiter finished noting down the dishes, his gaze fell on Yunshan. The more he looked, the more he couldn’t look away, and he couldn’t help but click his tongue in admiration. “Sir, your dog here looks truly magnificent. Its coat shines like fallen snow, and its build is so sturdy. It must be fully grown, right?”

Luo Qianyu picked up his teacup and replied perfunctorily, “Hmm.”

He thought to himself:

Actually, it’s only one year old.

And it’s not a dog; it’s an Arctic Wolf.

Just then, a burst of hearty laughter came from the neighboring table.

Luo Qianyu looked up and saw several scholars in long gowns sitting there, waving their fans and holding forth animatedly. The wine cups on their table were already mostly empty.

One of the scholars slapped the table and declared, “Have you all heard? Marquis Zhenbei’s heir actually went to strike the petition drum a couple of days ago! Not only did he seek to overturn Duke Jing'an’s old case from three years ago, but he also filed an impeachment that brought down Commander Quan of the Divine Strategy Guard. Following the clues, he even managed to dig out Prince Duan’s entire faction!”

Someone immediately chimed in, their laughter tinged with exhilaration. “Who doesn’t know about such a major event? Not just the capital—I’d wager messengers have already galloped out of the city gates. In less than three days, the whole country will be talking about it!”

Another scholar wearing a square scarf stroked his beard and sighed with emotion. “Before, we all thought Young Marquis Luo was just a wastrel, spending his days cockfighting and dog racing. Who would have imagined he’s such a man of courage and integrity! To single-handedly shake up such a deeply entrenched old case and dare to confront powerful authority head-on—such boldness truly puts us to shame!”

The Young Marquis’s hand, holding the teacup, paused, and he couldn’t help but choke and cough.

He truly hadn’t expected that merely striking the petition drum would cause such a stir, spreading so widely that even in this corner of Fanlou, he could hear it being discussed.

As he was pondering this, one of the scholars leaned over curiously and asked, “Speaking of which, that Censor Su from the Censorate was actually the former Prince Duan? That’s truly bizarre! Could there really be an art of disguise in this world that could deceive everyone for so many years?”

The scholar who had slapped the table earlier scoffed and lowered his voice. “Such dark arts aren’t something ordinary people can dabble in. I heard you need to find a substitute whose physique is a perfect match. Not only do you take over their skin, but you also need a Thousand-Year Snow Lotus to sustain your life.”

“Most importantly, a boat-shaped mark is left on the back of the neck… I tell you, after today, this forbidden technique can no longer even be called forbidden—it’s completely obsolete. If such sorcery appears again in the future, the authorities need only have someone check the back of the neck, and wouldn’t it be exposed on the spot?”

“Haha, well said!”

…

“Sir, you are mistaken.”

Suddenly, a woman’s voice gently interrupted. The voice was soft, clear, and melodious, inexplicably quieting the noisy corner for a moment.

The scholar who had been speaking animatedly became intrigued. Turning around, he smiled and asked, “Does the young lady have a different view? Where did we speak improperly?”

Everyone followed the sound and saw a woman wearing a veil hat sitting at the neighboring table. Green gauze hung down, concealing her face, only vaguely revealing her chin.

On her table was a plate of lotus seeds, untouched. Her voice came through the veil, warm and somewhat muffled. “What you gentlemen said about Prince Duan’s past does hold some truth. However, the Disguise Art is not limited to just that one method.”

“Prince Duan, having been purged by the late Emperor, was already at death’s door in the imperial prison. Attempting the Disguise and Bone-Shrinking Art in such a critically ill state was a desperate gamble from the start. The method he used was the oldest kind—it wrecks the sinews and bones and steals another's skin. Ultimately, it was a wicked path, not the proper way.”

“Oh?” The scholar raised an eyebrow. “Then, in the young lady’s opinion, is there a better method?”

The woman chuckled softly, her voice graceful. “The true Disguise Art never harms lives, let alone involves seizing flesh and skin. It’s merely like applying stage makeup, concealing one’s true appearance. Once the makeup is removed, the original face remains.”

The men were first taken aback, then exchanged glances.

An impatient one pressed further. “What would a young lady know about such things? Besides, you make it sound easy, but how is the true Disguise Art actually performed? Where can one find such a master of face-painting?”

Luo Qianyu’s neck and back stiffened slightly.

The woman speaking was actually at the table right behind him.

And her voice… felt vaguely familiar.

The young lady, however, didn’t elaborate further. She only smiled gently and said, “The reason forbidden arts are forbidden is precisely because they cannot be lightly disclosed. If I were to truly tell you gentlemen, wouldn’t that mean I, a mere woman, would be violating a taboo?”

“Haha, the young lady is pulling our leg!” The leading scholar laughed heartily, not pressing the matter further, simply treating it as an interesting anecdote. “Alright, alright. Such miraculous arts are not meant for us ordinary folks to delve into deeply.”

Laughter rose again, and the noise returned.

“Sir, your braised sea cucumber with scallions and crystal shrimp dumplings are here!”

The waiter’s call drew nearer, the porcelain bowls on his tray clinking softly.

Luo Qianyu looked up at the sound, just as the woman at the neighboring table raised her hand and removed her veil hat. Her hair was styled up, adorned with a silver crabapple hairpin. Candlelight fell on the mole at the corner of her eye.

The moment their eyes met, the Young Marquis immediately recognized her.

…

It was Su Hongying!

The courtesan from Qiyue Tower who had helped cover for him when he was hiding from Wen Yu!

“Miss Su.” Luo Qianyu spoke first, somewhat surprised.

Su Hongying was also taken aback for a moment, then the corners of her eyes curved into a smile, her voice even softer and more gentle than before. “Young Lord Luo? What a coincidence. It’s been a long time. Your grace and bearing have only grown more impressive.”

The waiter had already placed the dishes on the table, their aromas wafting through the air.

The Young Marquis glanced at her table, which held only a pot of clear tea and a plate of lotus seeds. He beckoned the waiter over and instructed him to send the newly served side dishes to the neighboring table. “Last time, I must thank you for your help. Today, allow me to play host. If Miss Su doesn’t mind, please try these dishes?”

Su Hongying didn’t decline, smiling as she said, “Then I thank the young master.”

The music continued. Luo Qianyu couldn’t help but recall Su Hongying’s earlier words. After a moment of contemplation, he finally couldn’t resist asking, “Earlier, Miss mentioned the Disguise Art, saying there is a proper way that doesn’t harm lives. Those words… are they truly true?”

Su Hongying replied, "It's absolutely true."

Luo Qianyu pondered for a moment, unconsciously lowering his voice, "If... someone wanted to use the Art of Disguise to hide their identity, would it be discovered by others?"

Su Hongying set down her bamboo chopsticks and wiped the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief. "No, even their own mother wouldn’t recognize them."

The Young Marquis pressed further, "And it wouldn’t harm anyone else?"

Su Hongying couldn’t help but smile. "Of course not."

Luo Qianyu opened his mouth, carefully considering how to phrase his request.

"If you truly need it, just say the word." Su Hongying picked up her teacup, raising it toward him, understanding his thoughts. "I'd be happy to help."

The Young Marquis was taken aback, not expecting Miss Su to be so straightforward. He picked up his wine cup and downed the drink in one go. "Then I’ll thank you in advance, Miss Su."

Then, feeling a stir of emotion, he leaned in closer, lowering his voice to ask, "How long does the Art of Disguise take to prepare? In two days, my... my friend will be leaving the capital."

Su Hongying gave a soft smile. "Two days is more than enough."

Luo Qianyu nodded. "Then I’ll trouble you, Miss Su."

Su Hongying inclined her head, bringing the rim of her cup to her lips. The fragrance of the tea washed over her lips and teeth, and the mole at the corner of her eye shimmered appealingly under the candlelight.

.

By the time they left Fanlou, it was late at night. Luo Qianyu casually picked up a bottle of fine wine.

Returning to the Marquis's estate, he didn’t head back to his own courtyard. Instead, by the faint light of a lantern, he leaped onto the roof of Jinlin Courtyard.

He set the wine bottle beside him, leaning half against the ridge of the roof.

Propping himself up on the grayish-blue tiles, he looked up. The night sky was without a cloud in sight, countless stars densely scattered across it. The Milky Way flowed, so clear you could see its continuous band of light.

Luo Qianyu couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. What did I ever see in stars before? But the ancient starry sky was completely different, a world apart from the modern one he remembered, where neon lights obscured the moon and stars.

There was no choking dust, no roaring vehicles—just this starry sky, visible without a telescope, was enough to make one lose themself.

The young man took out two small wine cups, poured the wine, and placed one casually beside his knee. The other he pushed to the opposite side of the wine bottle, about half an arm’s length away.

The Young Marquis didn’t speak, sitting in silence, but he counted silently in his head.

Three,

Two,

One

...

A faint, subtle sound came from beside him as he sensed a figure landing nearby, like a leaf falling onto the roof tiles.

It was Wen Yu.

Luo Qianyu picked up the wine cup beside his knee and took a small sip.

With the rim of the cup still pressed to his lips, he heard the other man ask softly, "Were you waiting for me, Young Master?"

The Young Marquis turned his head and pushed the wine cup slightly toward him. "Yes, tonight the Young Master is treating you to a drink."

Wen Yu picked up the wine cup, but his gaze remained fixed on him. "Tired?"

Luo Qianyu stretched lazily, his tone dragging with youthful weariness. "Yeah, I spent the whole day at the training grounds today. My arms can barely lift anymore." As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly sat up straighter, raising an eyebrow. "Hold on, Wen Yu, why haven’t you changed how you address me? From now on, don’t call me Young Master anymore."

Wen Yu looked at the young man, remaining silent for a long moment before saying, "Young Marquis... are you so eager to draw a line between us?"

"Not at all, not at all." The young man suddenly smiled. "Now you’re the descendant of the Loyal and Valiant Duke, personally appointed by the late emperor as the top scholar. From now on, you don’t have to live under someone else’s roof. You should live with dignity, standing in the sunlight, admired by thousands, not hiding behind me as a guard."

As Luo Qianyu spoke, he seemed to remember something. He reached into his robe and pulled out an oil-paper package, unfolding it under the moonlight to reveal a slightly yellowed deed of indenture.

Then, the young man took out a fire striker and blew on it with a soft "hiss."

The flame touched the corner of the paper, quickly spreading across the entire page. Soon, the thin sheet of paper was reduced to ashes, scattering with the wind across the tiles.

As if not a single trace remained.

The flickering firelight cast shifting shadows on Wen Yu’s face, causing his pupils to contract slightly.

Luo Qianyu looked at him and whispered, "From today onward, you are truly free."

The night breeze brushed past, so quiet that even their breathing was audible.

"I..."

Before the words could leave his mouth, the young man interrupted, "Wen Yu, you don’t seem surprised that I am the Mysterious Guest."

The Young Marquis narrowed his eyes and set down his wine cup. "Honestly, you knew all along, didn’t you? When exactly... did you recognize me?"

He had sensed something was off earlier, but two days ago, he hadn’t had the chance to ask before being kissed until he could barely stand. Looking back now, Wen Yu’s reaction upon learning in court that he was the Mysterious Guest had been too quick and too calm.

Luo Qianyu even suspected that when Wen Yu suddenly mentioned the Mysterious Guest’s rescue to provide an alibi for the Young Marquis, he was trying to force him to reveal himself.

Since he and Wen Yu would never see each other again after this, tonight was their last night together. He might as well treat it as a confession session. Besides, he was genuinely curious.

Then, he saw Wen Yu slowly open his mouth and say, "The day I signed the deed of indenture."

The Young Marquis stared in disbelief. "...What?!"

Even if he had imagined a thousand possible answers, this was certainly not one of them.

The day he signed the deed of indenture?

Did that mean Wen Yu had recognized him as the Mysterious Guest from the very beginning?

After a long moment of shock, Luo Qianyu’s throat moved slightly, and he slowly spoke, "You knew from the very beginning?"

Wen Yu gave a soft hum and said, "But at the time, I wasn’t entirely sure. I had more doubts than certainty."

Thinking his disguise was perfect, only to realize the protagonist shou had suspected him from the start?

The Young Marquis let out a long sigh and resigned himself. "Fine, fine... Now that I think about it, if you hadn’t recognized me, with your personality, why would you have willingly lowered yourself to stay in the Marquis's estate and agree to be my personal guard?"

Wen Yu chuckled softly. "At the time, I just found it strange. On the day I signed the deed of indenture, you acted so erratically—following and ambushing me, even threatening me with my mother’s name. You were so malicious, completely unlike the Mysterious Guest. I even wondered... if you had two souls in one body or if you had disguised your appearance."

"Pfft—" Luo Qianyu nearly spat out the wine he had just sipped. He froze for a moment before suddenly bursting into laughter.

Thinking he had a split personality? Or that he was disguised?

Just how far had he pushed the protagonist shou?

The young man couldn’t help himself, his shoulders trembling with laughter. The wine he had just swallowed burned his throat, making his eyes sting, and tears nearly welled up. "Two souls in one body? Disguised? Wen Yu, someone as rational as you could actually come up with such absurd ideas?"

Once his laughter subsided, as if recalling something, Luo Qianyu exclaimed "Ah!", his face suddenly turning red. He stiffly said, "That day at the inn, when I saved Chen Boyu and after Lou Xian left, you suddenly got so close, feeling me up all over—could it have been to check if I had any signs of disguise or bone contraction?"

"Mhm." Wen Yu lowered his head and softly replied, "But that check only made me more certain... that the Young Marquis was that very benefactor."

The Young Marquis was stunned, dazed for a long moment before he couldn't help but grumble in annoyance, "That's so underhanded!"

"Mhm, I've always been that kind of underhanded person." Wen Yu looked at him and slowly said, "At the time, I thought perhaps the Young Marquis had some unspoken reason, not daring to reveal the identity of the Mysterious Guest in front of me. So, I had no choice but to play along until the day the Young Marquis was willing to tell me himself."

...

I didn't even tell you willingly in the end! Clearly, it was you who laid traps step by step, tricking me into spilling it!

How come I never realized before how cunning the male lead could be?

After hearing this, the Young Marquis finally let out a long sigh. The hint of annoyance between his brows gradually faded, and he didn't truly get angry.

You can't blame Wen Yu.

Wen Yu had no choice either. Even if he racked his brains, who could have guessed that he was actually a book transmigrator, whose inconsistent behavior was just following the plot, and those absurd, flirtatious words he spoke to the beauty were just reciting lines from the original book?

"Qianyu."

"Hmm?" The Young Marquis glanced sideways.

"The Emperor has issued an edict," Wen Yu suddenly spoke, his voice exceptionally clear in the night wind, "ordering me to accompany the Northern Garrison Army as an advisor. Once the border is stabilized, I will take up the position of Deputy Magistrate of the Capital Prefecture." As he spoke, he took out a rolled-up map from his robe, spread it out on the tiles, and pointed to a fortress in the northwest. "At that time, I will first go to Yunmo Pass to reorganize military preparations. After you leave the capital, follow the official road westward."

"Three months later, we will meet here."

Wen Yu's finger landed on a spot on the map.

Luo Qianyu froze, his gaze fixed on the dense, winding lines on the map. His expression froze momentarily before he opened his lips to say, "Liangzhou?"

"Yes, Liangzhou." Wen Yu guided his finger, gently holding it and slowly moving it until it stopped on the red-marked location. "We won't be apart for too long. Three months later, at the ferry in Liangzhou, we'll meet without fail."

Luo Qianyu's heart skipped a beat.

Wen Yu was waiting for his response.

The young man lowered his gaze, as if something was stuck in his throat. He silently withdrew his finger, forcing a smile. After a long while, he finally nodded slightly. "...Alright, it's settled then."

Luo Qianyu picked up the wine cup and drank most of it, the liquor burning his throat and making his neck feel hot.

Wen Yu took out a porcelain bottle from his robe and gently placed it in the Young Marquis's palm. "This is the jade ointment you gave me before. It truly works wonders for sword and knife wounds. Keep it with you."

Luo Qianyu was slightly taken aback and was about to refuse. "No, then you..."

But Wen Yu interrupted him, "For the next three months, you'll likely be riding horses often. The skin there is sensitive, so I thought you might need it."

Luo Qianyu: "…………"

For the male lead to be worried about something like this was truly a supreme humiliation for the 'gong'.

However, this ointment was originally given to Wen Yu by Lou Xian. Now, it had somehow ended up in the hands of his love rival... Well, never mind. The road ahead was perilous, and Wen Yu's martial skills might not be needed in the coming months, but perhaps he could use it when faking his death.

Luo Qianyu accepted the jade ointment. After a moment's thought, he suddenly reached into his robe, his fingers brushing against a small, warm wooden box. He took it out, opened it, and placed it between them.

Since he had accepted the other's gift, he ought to be honest in return. He should give something back as well.

Inside the wooden box was a perfectly round pill.

The Young Marquis lowered his gaze, avoiding eye contact, and softly said, "Wen Yu, I did have dishonorable designs on you."

Wen Yu: "Did?"

"Mhm." Luo Qianyu brought up the past again, feeling inevitably awkward as he explained in detail. "At that time, I accidentally ingested an aphrodisiac. To be honest, it was originally prepared for you. The effects take about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, and the person who takes it would forget all the indiscretions of the night before. So, it wasn't that I intentionally forgot... forgot what I did to you..."

Luo Qianyu placed the item in Wen Yu's palm, pursing his lips. "...Now there's only one left. I'm returning it to you."

Wen Yu didn't speak.

After a long while, he tucked the wooden box into his robe.

Wen Yu was silent for a long moment before suddenly asking, "Why did the Young Marquis keep me by his side? Why did you risk your life to save me at Zhaixian Tower? And why did you take such care of my mother?"

"And why did you work to overturn my grandfather's case and clear the Wen family's name?"

Luo Qianyu was slightly taken aback, at a loss for words.

Why bring this up so suddenly?

How should he answer?

Wen Yu looked at him. "Was it because of the Former Crown Prince?"

Luo Qianyu's heart trembled.

"Because our names are similar, our swords are similar, and we even have the same cinnabar mark between our brows..." Wen Yu softly asked at the end, "Was it because I resemble him so much that you kept me by your side?"

"Am I a substitute? Did you see me as your Crown Prince brother?"

Luo Qianyu was stunned, his throat tightening. "No."

"That's not it."

He said, "You are Wen Yu, the one and only top scholar in the world."

You are radiant and peerless, the pride of the capital.

Upright in character, with the world in your heart.

You agreed to be my Personal Guard, teaching me horseback riding and archery, martial arts and combat, even Lightness Skill and swordsmanship... I could never list all your kindness.

Even when I was just reading the book, you were the most perfect protagonist to me.

Who in this world could replace you?

Luo Qianyu hugged his knees, glancing sideways at him, his eyelashes casting a shadow of the night. "Wen Yu, I have never seen you as a substitute for someone else."

"There is only one Wen Yu in this world. No one can replace you."

The night wind brushed past, lengthening the silence between them. Wen Yu looked at him, the confusion in his eyes gradually fading, leaving only clarity.

And the next moment, he felt Wen Yu's lips on his.

Luo Qianyu's pupils dilated, his fingers trembling as he braced himself against the roof ridge, his heartbeat utterly thrown into disarray.

...

Damn it, kissing again?

Didn't we agree to just drink?

He had just praised the male lead as a gentleman of peerless virtue, only to be proven wrong moments later?

Ah... go on then, kiss him.

It's not like you'll get another chance after this.

But this time, the atmosphere was too perfect, with ambiguity surging with a blazing heat. Even the Young Marquis picked up on the strange mood, feeling inexplicably flustered.

His hand had even wandered under his clothes.

The Young Marquis's eyelashes fluttered slightly. Breathing in his scent, he sighed and wrapped his arms around the other's neck.

Letting him have his way.

When kissed on the neck, the young man's Adam's apple bobbed slightly. He squinted one eye and tilted his head upward.

The night sky unexpectedly spread out before him—vast and magnificent. Tonight was both a reunion and a farewell.

The moon over the capital was truly beautiful, but unfortunately, he would never see it again.

Just as he was lost in thought, the Young Marquis's pupils trembled, his face instantly burning hot and flushed. He pushed back, lifting the head resting on his chest, his fingers clutching the other's loose strands of hair as he gasped, panicked, "...What are you doing!"

Wen Yu, held by the young man's hands on his face, looked up.

A breeze swept by, cool against the damp skin.

A silvery strand still connected to the other's tongue.

Luo Qianyu clutched the edge of his collar, barely covering himself with his clothes. He looked up at him, eyes red, and whispered softly:

"Haven't you been weaned yet?"