Chapter 23: Reunion Beneath the Peach Blossoms

Chapter 23: Peach Blossom Reunion

"No need."

Su Yi shook his head: "This is a bond between siblings. I've imposed on you for these past few days, and I shouldn't bother you any longer. I'll leave the residence tomorrow."

"Leave? Why would you leave? My place is spacious enough—having you here is no trouble at all. You're alone, so you should stay here..."

Sang Yu said coolly: "Since Young Master Su wishes to leave, he naturally has his own matters to attend to. Why force him to stay when he doesn't want to?"

Though his words were directed at Li Zhiming, his gaze was fixed on Su Yi.

Su Yi felt a chill run down his spine under that stare, his hands and feet turning cold.

Being a clever man, he immediately agreed: "Well said. Su Yi does have things he wishes to do, and lingering here as a guest is hardly convenient."

Li Zhiming felt a twinge of regret: "Very well then. I couldn't help you with that matter—is there anything else I can do for you?"

The chill behind him grew even colder.

He didn't notice it.

But Su Yi did, and he shook his head repeatedly: "I will always remember your kindness, my lord. If I ever enter official service..."

He paused, lifting his head, his gaze burning bright.

"I won't let you down!"

Since the man was determined to leave, Li Zhiming couldn't press him to stay. With Sang Yu watching from the side, he dared not say more anyway.

Once he left, Sang Yu probably wouldn't kill him.

Good.

As they walked out of Su Yi's courtyard, Sang Yu suddenly spoke: "You can't bear to see him go?"

His tone sounded casual, like he didn't really care.

Li Zhiming instinctively grew wary. This man was emotionally unstable and hated Su Yi—he couldn't let on that he liked Su Yi too much in front of him.

He shook his head repeatedly: "No, no. I was just being polite."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"Why?"

"Everyone has their own things to do. Our connection was only temporary—I saved him, he healed, so of course he has to leave. He can't just live in my place forever, right?"

Hearing this, Sang Yu fell silent.

Li Zhiming glanced at him curiously, catching sight of the scars on the back of his hand, and asked: "How are your wounds? Any better?"

Sang Yu's gloomy expression was hard to read.

"So the Eldest Young Master wants me to get better so he can kick me out?"

"Of course not!" Li Zhiming's eyes widened. "I told you, make yourself at home here. Once you're better, I'll take you out for a stroll. After all, you're part of my household—it's not good to be cooped up inside all day."

The next morning.

Su Yi came to take his leave.

The mysterious assassins had appeared twice more, but both times Feng Yin had blocked them. Though they never found out who it was, no harm was done.

The following days passed peacefully, with nothing bad happening.

Two more months went by.

Li Zhiming had mostly gotten a handle on things and settled into this world without a hitch.

Sang Yu's once thin, sallow face had regained its color, the signs of his illness fading, and his skeletal frame had filled out nicely.

The Chancellor's residence was stocked with countless tonics and quality medicinal herbs.

After this period of nourishing care and rest, Sang Yu was no longer as excessively thin as before. He had even grown a bit taller, his features more refined and radiant.

"Your body's getting better and better—really great."

Li Zhiming rested his head on his hand, watching Sang Yu read, and couldn't help but let out a sigh.

This was something he had personally raised.

It felt like raising a son—watching his own cub grow up day by day, growing well.

The satisfaction was truly indescribable; his whole heart was proud.

Sang Yu set down his book and turned to look at him.

His demeanor was no longer that of the prickly, sullen youth from before; his whole person seemed to glow.

"Very good."

Wow.

Li Zhiming wore a proud dad's pleased smile, his eyes practically overflowing with exaggerated satisfaction.

In all this time, he hadn't had a fit. Aside from the occasional crazy threats, he hadn't killed anyone—he was becoming more and more like a normal person.

Perhaps because the young man had confessed the secret weighing on his heart, he had grown much closer to Li Zhiming. Sometimes he would even act a little clingy, like a well-behaved younger brother.

He was really happy.

"Sang Yu."

Li Zhiming casually pulled up a random weed and called out to him: "Stop reading. How about I take you out for a walk? Your body's recovered now—let's go get some sun."

These past two months, he'd only gone out occasionally, always on edge, with no heart for sightseeing.

Sang Yu thought for a moment, then set down his book: "Alright."

"Then let's go, go, go—let's head out right now!"

He happily grabbed Sang Yu's hand. Sang Yu glanced down at their clasped hands, a slight smile on his lips as he followed him out of the residence.

The two wandered the streets for a long while, and only when they grew tired from walking did they find a restaurant to stop and rest.

In the private room, Li Zhiming sat by the window, where he could see the view below and hear the endless calls of street vendors. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, as if he’d spotted something new and interesting.

"Sang Yu, wait here for a moment. Order some dishes first—I’ll go buy something and come right back."

He looked somewhat excited.

Sang Yu looked up, surprised. "What are you buying?"

"Something good. I just remembered it. I’m gonna run down and grab it—wait for me."

Li Zhiming happily dashed downstairs, heading straight for a shop. When he came out, he was holding two little trinkets, beaming.

The craftsmanship of this ancient era was truly exquisite—the little jade pendant seemed to have a soul of its own.

The tiny speck of red inside it was mesmerizing.

"Young Master Li."

A voice, gentle but tinged with surprise, came from behind. Li Zhiming froze, then quickly turned around.

Standing by the roadside was a woman in a blue dress.

Her silks flowed elegantly, with a small red dot painted between her brows, standing gracefully like a figure from a painting.

Her features were lovely yet playful.

Li Zhiming was overjoyed. He nervously wiped his hands, clutching the trinkets, his gaze a bit dazed. "Miss Cui, what a coincidence..."

Cui Liuer laughed lightly behind her hand, lifting her skirt as she strolled over.

"Liuer found the manor too stifling, so I came out for a stroll. I never expected to run into you here, Young Master Li—what a coincidence."

After a brief pause, she continued, "Liuer has been standing here for a while. Just now, I saw you lost in thought—I wonder what was on your mind?"

Li Zhiming hastily replied.

"Oh, nothing in particular."

A moment of silence.

Cui Liuer glanced around and let out a tinkling laugh. "I’d like to take a walk. Would Young Master Li be willing to accompany me?"

"This..." He thought of Sang Yu, still waiting for him.

Cui Liuer noticed the items in his hand and sighed softly. "If it’s inconvenient, then never mind. I won’t—"

"An invitation from the young lady—how could I refuse?"

Young Master Li stood tall, looking composed.

It was nearing early winter, and a cold breeze swept by, rustling his cloak and making the strands of hair on his forehead dance.

The two walked side by side, with Cui Liuer’s maid obediently trailing behind, making the pair look like a perfect match of talent and beauty.

"You saved me months ago, and now the cold wind is already blowing."

She gazed ahead meaningfully, her dignified demeanor revealing a bold and straightforward air, quite unlike the typical refined lady of a noble house.