Chapter 15
In the past few days, Madam Lu had been in a good mood. One reason was that the fourth young master from Aunt Du’s courtyard had suffered a setback at the Crown Prince’s residence. He had been staying at the Lu family estate for the past two days and didn’t even dare to return to Boya Residence in the Crown Prince’s household.
Right in front of Aunt Du, Madam Lu made several pointed remarks—things like, if you don’t have a high enough ladder, don’t try to climb too high, or some people are just like an incapable A’dou—no matter how much you support them, they’ll never soar like a phoenix.
Aunt Du didn’t dare to act out in front of Madam Lu, nor did she have the face to.
She simply ran to Lu Siwei’s place to cry twice. However, Lu Siwei had been overwhelmed with matters lately and didn’t want to deal with women’s affairs in the courtyard. Annoyed, he scolded her and sent her back to reflect on her mistakes.
Meanwhile, Lu Xuzhi was preparing for the imperial examination.
In the original timeline, Lu Xuzhi had missed the exam due to the death of his close friend. However, in this lifetime, because of Yuwen Min’s prison break and Lu Hanzhi’s miraculous medical skills, the Eldest Prince had been saved from death.
Though Lu Xuzhi was still deeply worried about his friend, who remained on the run, he was clear-headed enough to understand that his current status as a juren (a scholar who passed the provincial exam) wouldn’t be enough to help his friend.
If he could achieve the top rank in the imperial examination and gain influence in the court, perhaps he could lend a hand.
Recently, Lu Xuzhi had been exceptionally composed, dedicating himself to studying in the library every day.
This time, Madam Lu went to Hanshou Temple to offer incense—partly to visit her youngest son, and partly to request a Wenchang talisman, hoping it would bless her second son with success in the examination.
Lu Hanzhi, on the other hand, got up early and ordered the entire manor to be thoroughly cleaned.
He hadn’t forgotten that there were still two princes staying in the backyard. Personally, he brought breakfast over to them and gave strict orders that no one was allowed to enter the backyard without his permission.
Yuwen Min had already returned and was resting with his eyes closed on the couch in the outer room.
Besides delivering breakfast, Lu Hanzhi also needed to administer another injection to Yuwen Jue.
After a good sleep, Yuwen Jue’s complexion had improved. Though his cough was still audible, and his body temperature had risen slightly, it was a promising sign of recovery.
When Prince Ling’an saw Lu Hanzhi enter, he sat up and said with a hint of disdain, “Aren’t you afraid of being implicated by us, Young Master Lu?”
Hah. Listen to this nonsense. Was this really how a person spoke?
Seriously…
A tyrant, yet so petty?
His ability to hold grudges was truly impressive.
One of Lu Hanzhi’s strengths was his ability to adapt—knowing when to yield and when to stand firm. His sweet talk and ability to switch expressions seamlessly were unmatched.
He flashed a bright smile at Yuwen Min and said, “How could I be? I’ve admired Your Highness Prince Ling’an since childhood. Having the honor to shelter Prince Chu and Your Highness is my greatest fortune.”
Prince Ling’an’s expression screamed Oh, really? His tone was bland as he remarked, “Oh? I recall you said the same thing to the Crown Prince before?”
Lu Hanzhi: …
Sometimes, having a good memory wasn’t necessarily a blessing.
People say that the overly intelligent are more prone to senility.
Your Highness, I advise you not to take things too seriously. Where’s the fun in that?
Fortunately, Yuwen Jue stepped in to smooth things over. “Hanzhi, are you here to give me the injection? Ah Min, step outside for a bit and have something to eat. Don’t come in.”
Lu Hanzhi looked at Yuwen Jue with gratitude. See? Now this is how a person should behave!
Both are of royal blood, yet how could the difference in character be so vast?
Lu Hanzhi closed the inner chamber door, took out a pre-prepared syringe from the metal box, and wiped down Yuwen Jue’s gluteal muscle with clean water.
Immediately, suppressed groans echoed from inside the room.
Yuwen Min, who was eating outside, furrowed his brows sharply. He had a strange feeling that Lu Hanzhi was doing something to his brother.
If not for the fact that Lu Hanzhi was a Xiao Langjun, he might have already barged in heroically to save his brother.
When Yuwen Jue finally emerged, however, his limp made Yuwen Min’s expression rather complicated. He gave Lu Hanzhi a perplexed look, his gaze lingering on his lower half.
Lu Hanzhi instinctively clamped his legs together. What are you looking at? What do you mean by that? Don’t even think about taking advantage of me again!
Wait… no way… you wouldn’t actually think I slept with your brother, would you?!
At that moment, Lu Hanzhi’s perception of the Fourth Prince—the so-called ultimate tyrant—started to shift again.
No, seriously, do you have some kind of misunderstanding about me, a Xiao Langjun?
Suppressing his irritation, he said, “Alright, make sure to take the medicine I just gave you—three times a day, one pill each time. Preferably after meals, as it’s a bit harsh on the stomach.”
Yuwen Jue limped around the room twice before nodding. “Got it. Thank you, Hanzhi.”
Having grown familiar with Prince Chu, Lu Hanzhi had nothing to fear anymore. He grinned and said, “With the relationship between Your Highness and my second brother, what’s there to thank me for?”
Previously, he hadn’t noticed anything, but now he suddenly felt that there was something… a little off about Prince Chu and Lu Xuzhi’s interactions.
Speaking of Lu Xuzhi, Prince Chu seemed momentarily dazed. He asked, “How is your second brother doing lately?”
Lu Hanzhi replied, “Mother wrote to say that Second Brother is preparing for the imperial examination. Everything seems normal, so Your Highness need not worry.”
Prince Chu nodded. “That’s right. Xuzhi is highly talented—he’s certain to take the top spot.”
Well, what a coincidence. My mother thinks the same way.
Lu Hanzhi didn’t linger. He had to go to Hanshou Temple to see his mother.
Just as he was about to leave, Yuwen Min suddenly appeared in front of him—dressed in the attire of a servant.
At moments like these, one’s natural advantages became apparent.
Sure enough, when someone was handsome, they looked good in anything.
Even in the plain garb of a servant, his striking features made him stand out.
The moment Lu Hanzhi saw his appearance, he instantly guessed that Yuwen Min intended to leave with him.
Dealing with intelligent people was always like this—one look was enough. Lu Hanzhi immediately understood but still shook his head and said, “Your Highness, this won’t work. It’s too conspicuous. I’m not exaggerating, but with your strikingly handsome and otherworldly looks, anyone can tell you don’t resemble a servant.”
Yuwen Min gave him a look full of doubt, feeling that the flattery coming from this man’s mouth was utterly insincere.
Yet Lu Hanzhi remained all smiles, trying to please him. “How about this, Your Highness? Let me disguise you, and you should hunch your back a little. Otherwise, I truly wouldn’t dare take you out.”
Yuwen Min didn’t express an opinion—he merely lifted his chin slightly, signaling Lu Hanzhi to proceed.
And so, just before they left, the regal and strikingly handsome Prince Ling’an was transformed into a dark-skinned, pockmarked man. He hunched his back and even let out a few occasional coughs.
This was the persona Lu Hanzhi had crafted for him.
As a seasoned corporate worker, Lu Hanzhi could construct all kinds of identities with ease!
Thinking about it, he even felt a little proud.
Sitting inside the carriage, Prince Ling’an thought: I feel like you’re targeting me.
Although he wasn’t sure whether Lu Hanzhi had any malicious intent toward him, he had to admit—the disguise was quite well done.
When he initially planned to go out, he hadn’t considered his appearance at all.
Looking at it this way, this young master was indeed quite clever.
Prince Ling’an gave Lu Hanzhi an approving glance. At that moment, a notification rang in Lu Hanzhi’s ears:
“Congratulations, Host. The emperor’s favorability rating has increased. Loyalty to the sovereign has risen by one.”
Lu Hanzhi: ???
Huh???
Is this some kind of joke?
Could it be that this future tyrant was actually a masochist?
He had completely humiliated him, yet his favorability rating had still gone up???
As expected, the twisted minds of the Yuwen family couldn’t be understood through normal reasoning.
Today, Hanshou Temple was lively and bustling with people. Many young ladies seeking marriage prospects and scholars praying to the God of Literature for success in their imperial exams had come to offer incense.
Following the directions of the servants, Lu Hanzhi’s carriage stopped at the foot of the mountain. Most of the worshippers climbed the steps on foot—it was seen as a sign of sincerity.
He turned to the maids and servants accompanying him and said, “Just… let Xiao Lingzi come with me. The rest of you can wait here at the foot of the mountain.”
Luan Feng hesitated, stepping forward. “Young Master, can this new servant really take care of you properly?”
Lu Hanzhi inwardly thought: Luan Feng, you have some good instincts. I’m impressed.
With full confidence, he replied, “Don’t worry, he’s someone Madam specially assigned to me. Obedient and easy to command.”
Luan Feng still didn’t quite trust the disguised Prince Ling’an, but after a glance at him, she could only nod in agreement.
Thus, Lu Hanzhi led Prince Ling’an up the mountain.
Once they were sure no one was nearby, Lu Hanzhi said to him, “Your Highness, if you need to take action, you’re free to do so now. Don’t mind me.” As far as Lu Hanzhi knew, the abbot of Hanshou Temple, Master Xichen, was a key intelligence contact for Prince Ling’an in the capital.
His visit to Hanshou Temple was likely to meet Master Xichen—an old monk who, despite taking monastic vows, still had his heart set on rebellion.
Prince Ling’an replied, “No rush. Let’s get to the top first.” He lifted his gaze toward Lu Hanzhi, feeling that this man was wary of him.
Lu Hanzhi gave him a glance full of slight disdain but didn’t show it too obviously. He had been looking forward to leisurely exploring the lively temple fair.
But there was no choice—he had to accompany Prince Ling’an up the mountain.
Halfway up, they unexpectedly ran into Madam Lu, who had also come to offer incense. Unluckily, she was accompanied by Su Wan’ning, who was carrying a small bamboo basket.
Su Wan’ning looked beautiful and obedient as she stayed close to Madam Lu. If one didn’t know better, they might have mistaken her for Madam Lu’s biological daughter.
A wave of discomfort rose in Lu Hanzhi’s heart, as if his own mother had been taken away by someone else.
This wasn’t a feeling he should have. He assumed it must be a lingering emotion from the original owner of this body.
But the sight of Su Wan’ning immediately put him on alert.
The female lead had a golden finger. Could she… recognize Prince Ling’an?
After all, Prince Ling’an was the man she had etched into her heart—the one she saw as her true love.
Just as Lu Hanzhi hesitated, Madam Lu had already beckoned him over and was walking toward them.
Behind him, Prince Ling’an immediately hunched his back.
Then, Su Wan’ning’s gentle, clear voice rang out, “Cousin Hanzhi! You’re here?”
Hearing her sweet, melodious tone, Lu Hanzhi instantly got goosebumps. In theory, such a voice should represent innocence and kindness. But remembering how she had sacrificed the lives of people from over a dozen villages just to maintain her personal narrative, Lu Hanzhi felt an overwhelming sense of disgust toward her.
He merely glanced at her, then turned his gaze toward Madam Lu. With a warm, affectionate smile, he stepped forward and linked arms with her. “Mother!” Without a trace, he subtly squeezed Su Wan’ning out of the way.
It was clear that Madam Lu was growing increasingly fond of Su Wan’ning. This couldn’t continue. He needed to gather more exchange points as soon as possible and use the right talismans on her. If he didn’t act soon, things might spiral out of control.
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Obrigada pela tradução!