Chapter 101
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Chu Lishu rescued Cao Wanying and wanted to leave, but was stopped by Cao Wanying.
Originally, she wasn’t going to attend the Peach Blossom Banquet. It was Mr. Cao’s idea for her to bring something to Chu Lishu. After all, it was inconvenient for her to go to the men’s courtyards.
Chu Lishu and Mr. Cao usually found ways to communicate without meeting in person. This time, he just needed to deliver an item, and it was even safer to do it through Cao Wanying.
Since it was an item to be delivered, it was inconvenient for others to see, so they walked to a more secluded place.
In a place with no one around, Cao Wanying took out a pen holder carved from hibiscus stone.
That was the pen holder given to Mr. Cao by the current Grand Tutor Lu Zhong. It is said that when Lu Zhong was young and taking the imperial examination in the capital, he encountered difficulties and was on the verge of becoming an incarcerated prisoner. It was Mr. Cao who appreciated his talent, used his connections, investigated the reasons, cleared his name, and enabled him to successfully participate in the imperial examination. As a result, Mr. Cao had a great favor towards him.
However, Lu Zhong’s political views did not align with the late emperor’s preferences. He could only serve as an ordinary scholar in the Imperial Library. Later, he gained the favor of Emperor Zhou Qing and entered the palace, taking over Mr. Cao’s position and becoming the Grand Tutor. When Mr. Cao was sent out of the palace, Lu Zhong gave him this pen holder. As long as someone came to him holding the pen holder, they could request him to do something. He would not ask about the reasons, or the difficulty, and would strive to complete the task.
When Chu Lishu received this pen holder, he understood Mr. Cao’s intention. This was the gift Mr. Cao gave him when he entered the palace. Currently, Mr. Cao could only assist in gathering information outside, identifying those who might be loyal to Yuan Ran. However, he couldn’t help much with the situation inside the palace. This pen holder could be exchanged for the assistance of the current Grand Tutor. In critical times, it might even be a lifesaver.
Chu Lishu didn’t trust Lu Zhong, so naturally, he wouldn’t easily seek out this person. However, Mr. Cao, within his capabilities, wanted to help him, and Chu Lishu accepted.
After expressing gratitude to Mr. Cao, Chu Lishu intended to leave. However, Cao Wanying still stopped him, looking somewhat awkward, and said, “I don’t know if Young Master Chu would be willing to… help me leave.”
Cao Wanying looked embarrassed and troubled. On the way back to the courtyard, she was inevitably going to encounter those men who had been drinking. Cao Wanying felt a bit apprehensive. She already had some appreciation for Chu Lishu’s talent, and with her grandfather seeming to have a favorable view of him, even giving him a significant gift to enter the palace as a study companion, although Cao Wanying didn’t understand why her grandfather was so certain that Chu Lishu could become one of the study companions, she felt that Chu Lishu was a trustworthy person. Thus, she couldn’t help but seek his help, hoping he could assist in escorting her.
Considering he had come because of her, such a request was not unreasonable. After some thought, Chu Lishu agreed.
“Sure, I happen to be passing by the night banquet area. I’ll go and invite my cousin, see if he wants to leave together. Is that convenient?” Chu Lishu politely inquired.
Cao Wanying was momentarily surprised but quickly nodded, though she felt a bit unexpected.
It wasn’t that she was overly self-centered, but she was accustomed to the attitudes of men towards her. So, subconsciously, she thought that since Chu Lishu had agreed, he would escort her out, and the purpose was just to accompany her.
Unexpectedly, Chu Lishu proposed to go find Lin Qingyang and leave together. It seemed like his intention had shifted towards wanting to leave with Lin Qingyang, and she was just an additional part of the plan.
Cao Wanying felt a momentary confusion in her heart, but she didn’t dwell on it and walked back with Chu Lishu.
However, when they arrived at the place they were previously, only Qi Yan was there.
Chu Lishu furrowed his brow slightly and asked, “Where’s my cousin?”
At this moment, Qi Yan, watching Chu Lishu and Cao Wanying walking together, was dumbfounded. His face was filled with jealousy.
Qi Yan was open-minded when it came to relationships between men and women and naturally admired goddess-like figures. However, the goddess was currently with Chu Lishu, this seemingly delicate young man… Wasn’t he in some unclear relationship with Lin Qingyang?
In Qi Yan’s extremely protective eyes, Lin Qingyang could look for someone else behind Chu Lishu’s back, but if Chu Lishu did the same, it would be betraying his brother.
As a result, Qi Yan, filled with bitterness, said, “You’re allowed to seek beauty, but Lin Qingyang is not allowed to find someone to pass this long night? Hmph!” After saying this, Qi Yan got up and left.
Cao Wanying, feeling awkward, said, “I’m sorry, Young Master Chu. Maybe… I should go back by myself.”
Chu Lishu didn’t react much, “It’s okay, I’ll escort you first.”
Qi Yan always liked to talk nonsense, and Chu Lishu naturally wouldn’t believe him. Besides, when he had just returned, he had already seen Xu Wenze being held up, and Pei Jin hadn’t come tonight at all. So, who could be the agreeable Lin Qingyang was supposedly meeting? Chu Lishu was sure Lin Qingyang was just somewhere else, perhaps having fun alone, and he just hadn’t seen him for a while.
Given Lin Qingyang’s tendency to become nervous and anxious at the slightest hint of being neglected, especially with his preemptive efforts to prevent any misunderstandings before the Peach Blossom Banquet, Chu Lishu couldn’t fathom why he would actively seek out someone else. Lin Qingyang had been cautious and apprehensive about any situation that might lead to misunderstandings, desperately explaining and proving his innocence in previous encounters to prevent any potential anger or cold war. How could he possibly take the initiative to find someone else?
Moreover, helping Cao Wanying was Lin Qingyang’s own suggestion. Chu Lishu understood the current Lin Qingyang well; he possessed the demeanor of a man and behaved like a gentleman. Naturally, he wouldn’t let Cao Wanying face trouble alone.
Except for the brief moment when he walked away with Cao Wanying, there was nothing to criticize about the whole situation. Furthermore, he had informed Lin Qingyang in advance about walking away for a short while, making it even more acceptable…
Chu Lishu was lost in thought, his gaze lowered. Suddenly, his sleeve was tugged by Cao Wanying.
Chu Lishu paused, and he saw Cao Wanying awkwardly pulling him, seemingly wanting to avoid something. However, seeing no reaction from Chu Lishu, she anxiously dragged him behind a peach blossom tree, as if they had stumbled upon something they shouldn’t have seen. In reality, Cao Wanying had only noticed two people ahead seemingly discussing something private, and it was only natural for them to avoid hearing something they shouldn’t.
At that moment, Chu Lishu heard a familiar voice—it was Lin Qingyang!
Chu Lishu’s expression changed. He overheard Lin Qingyang saying he wanted to give something to someone. Chu Lishu glanced sideways and saw Young Master Hu? The son of a minor official. This person wasn’t part of Lin Qingyang’s social circle, so why would he be giving him something?
Seeing the expression Young Master Hu directed towards Lin Qingyang, Chu Lishu’s pupils slightly contracted. Was this person homosexual? Did he have feelings for Lin Qingyang?
Then, he heard Lin Qingyang telling Young Master Hu that he had no one he favored.
No one?
Someone he favored?
No one he liked!!!
If Lin Qingyang said this in front of him, it would be normal because he wouldn’t want him to know about his secret crush.
However, this guy had always been outspoken about his love for him in front of others. For instance, he openly declared it to Pei Jin before. It seemed like whenever there was an opportunity, he would boldly admit it. So, how could he, in such a scenario, say to someone who clearly admired him… that he had no one he liked?!
No one he liked? Then what did that make him?!
Was Lin Qingyang subtly suggesting that Young Master Hu could have feelings for him?
At this point, Chu Lishu’s breath became rapid. He tightly gripped the peach blossom branch, an inexplicable surge of anger rushing over him. He stared fixedly at Lin Qingyang’s figure, completely oblivious to Cao Wanying beside him, who was subtly indicating that he shouldn’t eavesdrop and should leave.
Following that, Young Master Hu said something and rushed forward, hugging Lin Qingyang. Chu Lishu’s breath tightened immediately. Seeing Lin Qingyang pushing him away, Chu Lishu’s breath relaxed.
However, after hearing Young Master Hu’s persuasion, Chu Lishu lost his composure.
Qi Yan’s words hit Chu Lishu’s nerves like a lightning bolt.
Finding someone else… to pass the lonely night?
Chu Lishu’s face instantly darkened, and the fire hidden in his blood surged throughout his body, threatening to ignite.
Just because he left with Cao Wanying for a while, he went mad and sought solace from other men?
No… it must not be. Lin Qingyang liked him so much, and this Young Master Hu was so ordinary, not like Xu Wenze or Pei Jin. Lin Qingyang only cared about appearances.
However, if it was just as Young Master Hu said… a one-night stand.
He remembered. Lin Qingyang had once sought comfort from Yu Zhang because he couldn’t have Xu Wenze. Even though he fell into a trap, if it weren’t for the conspiracy involving addictive substances, he would have slept with Yu Zhang long ago. Yet, he still acted infatuated with Xu Wenze. Therefore, he was not the type to remain chaste for the one he loved, so how could he understand the concept of maintaining purity?
“Crack!” A sound echoed as Chu Lishu lost control and snapped the peach blossom branch.
The sudden noise startled the other three.
Without thinking much, Chu Lishu walked out, facing Lin Qingyang. However, when he saw Lin Qingyang’s momentary look of panic, his chaotic emotions calmed for a moment.
Sure enough… if he saw him, he would probably get anxious and start explaining, unwilling to let him misunderstand even a bit. So, there must be a misunderstanding.
He wondered how Lin Qingyang would respond?
However, Lin Qingyang suddenly calmed down as well, and with a cold expression, he turned the tables, questioning why they were eavesdropping.
Instead of explaining, he acted as if he had been disturbed.
Young Master Hu was startled and hid behind Lin Qingyang, as if seeking refuge in his protection.
Heh… heh… Chu Lishu found himself wanting to laugh inexplicably, feeling a tingling sensation on his scalp.
Cao Wanying, realizing that the younger cousin Chu Lishu was not hastily explaining, felt she had to say something to remedy the situation: “Sorry, we just happened to be passing by and didn’t intend to eavesdrop.”
“Passing by?” Lin Qingyang was puzzled. The only way out was in that direction.
Cao Wanying hurriedly explained, “Yes… I wanted to leave and felt uneasy alone, so I asked Young Master Chu to escort me. I… I won’t disturb you anymore. I’ll leave first.”
Young Master Hu felt embarrassed, and Cao Wanying found the scene of a man approaching another man awkward. She wished she could disappear immediately.
Lin Qingyang realized that Cao Wanying was eager to leave, but Chu Lishu remained in place. Lin Qingyang said, “Cousin, aren’t you supposed to escort Young Lady Cao?”
Cao Wanying was about to say it was unnecessary.
Suddenly, a cold and piercing voice rang out, questioning, and it was Chu Lishu who spoke.
“What did you say?”
Lin Qingyang was startled by such a tone and felt a bit confused. Did he say something wrong?
“Aren’t you going to escort… escort Young Lady Cao.”
Chu Lishu coldly stared at Lin Qingyang, his eyes not only burning with anger but also hiding a subtle and imperceptible sense of reluctance.
Lin Qingyang, originally confident and assertive, felt a bit shaky under his intense gaze. He wondered, why was the male lead angry? Was he unable to handle someone else confessing to him, or was there something wrong with what happened earlier? Perhaps, he shouldn’t have let him escort Cao Wanying? But didn’t he voluntarily take on that task himself?
Lin Qingyang had just floated for a second, and it felt like he was about to crash.
Suddenly, Chu Lishu spoke in a mocking tone, “Cousin seems to be driving me away, ready to continue discussing the previous topic with Young Master Hu?”
With lowered eyebrows, he made it impossible to discern his true emotions.
However, it left Young Master Hu feeling utterly embarrassed.
Lin Qingyang’s expression also changed. Sensing the nervous trembling transmitted through the clothes behind him, it was evident that a man mustering the courage to confess to another man, especially making such a proposition, was embarrassing enough. Most people would have the decency not to mention it or pretend not to have heard.
But Chu Lishu openly brought it up, making Young Master Hu wish he could disappear on the spot. It was a bit too much of a slap in the face.
Lin Qingyang couldn’t quite understand Chu Lishu’s mindset, feeling nothing but extreme awkwardness. However, as the one being confessed to, Lin Qingyang couldn’t just let it slide.
“Cousin, this is a private matter. Don’t keep Young Lady Cao waiting for too long. You should go and escort her,” Lin Qingyang said, hinting with subtle gestures at Chu Lishu.
As a result, Chu Lishu showed no reaction whatsoever. His gaze swept over Young Master Hu, causing Young Master Hu’s legs to tremble.
“Private matter? Fine. I’ll escort Young Lady Cao out. Cousin, take your time with your private matters. I won’t disturb you.”
With an emotionless tone, Chu Lishu walked over. As he passed by Lin Qingyang, he said directly, “Oh, I forgot to mention, I’ll be heading back to the Marquis’s residence tomorrow.”
“Oh… Okay, I understand.”
Without a valid reason to stay, Chu Lishu did need to return to the Marquis’s residence. However, Lin Qingyang had already planned out his daily harassment routines for the sake of interaction, so he wasn’t concerned. He also didn’t catch the underlying anger beneath Chu Lishu’s words.
Chu Lishu’s steps faltered. “Understood?” Just that sentence? He didn’t care… didn’t want to be entangled with him anymore? Who was it that said the courtyard was also his home?
Had he really hurt him by being distant during this time and leaving with Cao Wanying just now? Did he truly give up?
Chu Lishu glanced sideways at Lin Qingyang, but his mind was already a blur. His hand, on instinct, wanted to reach out and grab Lin Qingyang’s wrist, but it dropped in an instant.
To give up… was it not good for his improper feelings towards him?
They had all been chosen by the Fourth Prince. Lin Qingyang had also severed ties with the Marquis’s residence. They were destined to be in the same boat. Even if Lin Qingyang had given up his secret admiration for Chu Lishu at this point, they were still connected. Lin Qingyang could continue to walk forward with him. After all, it was just an unrequited love, seemingly not affecting anything.
Chu Lishu enjoyed the feeling of being admired by Lin Qingyang. However, Lin Qingyang had risked his life several times. As long as he didn’t turn to their enemies again, did Chu Lishu have the right to demand that he must always love only him? He didn’t want Lin Qingyang to be hurt in the future because of his emotions.
He didn’t know what he wanted to do, only that he was angry and conflicted. By the time he realized it, he had already walked away.
Chu Lishu walked on, seemingly oblivious, almost making Cao Wanying jog to keep up with him.
Chu Lishu wasn’t aware that before, he used to arrange everything for Lin Qingyang based on his preferences. But now, he had started to consider Lin Qingyang’s feelings.
However, how long could this concern last?
After escorting Cao Wanying back to the women’s courtyards, Chu Lishu went straight back to his own courtyard.
Just at that moment, Lu Yi and Lu Shi returned. They were about to report on the situation when they saw Chu Lishu, who had been silent since his return, suddenly slam his palm on the table.
Startled, Lu Yi and Lu Shi immediately knelt down. Their master was enraged.
“Go, keep an eye on Lin Qingyang. If he does anything inappropriate with that Hu guy, kill the one surnamed Hu, right in front of him!” Chu Lishu’s words were filled with hostility, making Lu Yi and Lu Shi tense all over.
Both of them had the same thought: Lin Qingyang is so audacious? Daring to cuckold the master?
It had to be said that these two shared surprisingly consistent thoughts with Qi Yan in this regard. They were fiercely protective, assuming that Lin Qingyang belonged to Chu Lishu. So, if he strayed, his legs would be broken!
Lu Shi was furious, angered by the mere thought that someone would covet his master, and then dared to be unfaithful. That was seeking death!
“Master, rest assured. If he dares to mess around, I’ll break his legs!” Lu Shi declared with determination.
Chu Lishu’s gaze turned sharp, “Did I give you permission to act against him? Can’t you understand my orders?”
Lu Yi quickly reacted, covering Lu Shi’s loose tongue, “We understand. If he dares to misbehave, we’ll kill the one surnamed Hu in front of him to scare him! Then, we’ll bind him and bring him back for you to deal with, master.”
Chu Lishu fell silent, tacitly accepting the plan. Lu Yi immediately led Lu Shi out.
“My ancestors, next time, could you please keep your mouth shut about Lin Qingyang’s matters,” Lu Yi scolded Lu Shi while rushing to find the person.
Lu Shi immediately said, “Wasn’t it my mistake? I wasn’t ruthless enough. Daring to deceive the master is a capital offense. Breaking one leg is not sufficient! The master probably wants to personally break all three legs.”
Lu Yi: “… Just shut up from now on, okay?”
Lu Shi: “Understood!”
On the other side, Lin Qingyang felt that something was amiss but couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
“Young Master Lin, I…”
Lin Qingyang snapped back to reality, looked at the still-present Young Master Hu, and awkwardly said, “I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable. My cousin was just joking. You can go back now.”
Young Master Hu’s eyes flickered, showing a trace of desolation. However, the courage he had mustered before had dissipated. He couldn’t utter those words again. He left alone, looking somewhat wilted.
Lin Qingyang hesitated for a moment, then returned to the Peach Blossom Banquet. He thought Chu Lishu would come back after seeing off Cao Wanying.
As he walked, he suddenly felt a cool breeze on the back of his neck. He turned around to check but found nothing.
“Is he stupid? Since he separated from that Young Master Hu and has no intention of cheating, why doesn’t he go back to find the master? Doesn’t he know the master is angry?” Lu Shi exclaimed in surprise. “Has he always been this brave?”
“Shut up. We’re only responsible for observing!” Lu Yi adopted a steadier tone, unlike Lu Shi, who tended to be easily startled. They were to fulfill their master’s orders methodically.
Lu Shi could only watch in silence.
After observing for a while, they witnessed Lin Qingyang suddenly jump up in surprise and rush back.
The two of them exchanged bewildered glances and hurriedly followed.
Seeing Lin Qingyang heading in the direction of the master’s courtyard, both of them breathed a sigh of relief. An opportunity to apologize had presented itself, and Lin Qingyang seemed to be heading directly towards their master’s courtyard. Maybe their slow reaction time would be overlooked this time.
The two of them flew to a higher vantage point and watched. Lin Qingyang, with undiminished speed, rushed towards the entrance and seemed about to stop abruptly.
Unexpectedly, the main door opened from the inside right at that moment. Lin Qingyang, without slowing down, pounced forward. He rushed in as the door was opening, directly toppling Chu Lishu, who was opening the door. Their bodies completely overlapped.
Lu Yi, Lu Shi: …
Lu Shi couldn’t contain his anger: “I’m going to kill him!”
Lu Yi quickly covered his mouth! “Shut up! We can’t act on our own unless ordered or the master is in danger!”
Lu Shi: “This kid didn’t come to apologize; he came to forcibly kiss the master! Brazen and shameless, a damned hooligan! Release the master! Lu Yi, this is the greatest danger!”
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Thank you for the double update~ ????
Aksoskkskskakmaak THESE TWO ISTG