Chapter 13
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“Huh! You really are taking care of him.”
Lin Qingyang, who was reading a book, heard the familiar voice. He lifted his head with some annoyance, and sure enough, it was his buddy, Qi Yan.
Looking outside, the sun had already set.
Lin Qingyang ignored Qi Yan’s exaggerated reactions at the door, turned his head towards the bed, and found that Chu Lishu was still breathing evenly.
“Hey, Lin Qingyang, did you take the wrong medicine? I thought you used the excuse to skip class again and went out to play.” Qi Yan walked in, criticizing while swaggering.
“Hush, keep it down, go outside if you want to talk.” Lin Qingyang stood up, not wanting Qi Yan to disturb the male lead.
Qi Yan, however, paid no attention, standing by the bed, looking down, and clicking his tongue twice. “This delicate appearance really seems pitiable, evoking sympathy. Truly an extraordinary beauty.”
Lin Qingyang’s internal alarm bells rang loudly. He hadn’t forgotten that Qi Yan became friends with the original body because they shared similar interests, but the original body was a homosexual, while Qi Yan was interested in both genders.
Immediately, he reached out, grabbed Qi Yan’s neck, pulled him out, and warned in a low voice, “Don’t have any ideas about him if you still value your life.”
Qi Yan was like a background character. If he really angered the male lead, it would be as easy for the male lead to eliminate him as it was to kill that servant.
Although Qi Yan was a bit of a dandy, he wasn’t a malicious person, and his actions didn’t warrant death. However, Lin Qingyang felt the need to offer a subtle warning.
But Qi Yan just raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Oh, I see. I won’t touch your people. We’re good buddies, after all. I can see you cherish them.”
Lin Qingyang sighed, dragging Qi Yan out of the room.
The two of them sat on a bench in the corridor, bantering for a while. Since Qi Yan was more like a background character with no connection to the main plot, Lin Qingyang could engage in a more relaxed conversation with him.
“So, did they almost come to blows again?” Lin Qingyang asked, listening to the gossip Qi Yan brought, quickly organizing the relationships between characters based on his inherited memories.
“It’s true; the Crown Prince faction and the Eldest Prince faction were basically at odds. The Third Prince’s faction, on the other hand, was clever—choosing to remain neutral.”
When Qi Yan is gossiping, it’s all for the sake of entertainment because their hang-out weren’t involved in any faction.
Qi Yan was the third son of his family, well-off but without political influence. His two elder brothers served as officials in other regions, providing no support to any faction. Naturally, he had no intention of being a follower to anyone. So, he was considered an outsider.
Although Lin Qingyang was the legitimate son, he was the typical fool, reckless, and entirely ignorant of the political situation. He could act recklessly, relying solely on the emperor’s favor bestowed upon him due to his deceased favored concubine. Hence, nobody would involve him in their factions.
They were like spectators here, watching the struggles of other factions.
“You see, one is the designated Crown Prince, another is the true eldest son of the current emperor, and then there’s the most favored prince. Who do you think would…”
Lin Qingyang hastily covered the uncensored remark, but it was too late. Coughing sounds came from not far away.
Turning to look, Lin Qingyang saw Xu Wenze walking towards them with a solemn expression. He advised, “Gentlemen, it’s better not to speak of such matters in the future. Discussions about royal affairs are not suitable for us.”
“Fortunately, it’s Xu Wenze,” Lin Qingyang glared at Qi Yan. If they were overheard by members of any of those factions, they would quickly learn the consequences of loose lips.
Qi Yan looked embarrassed, and Xu Wenze stopped the discussion before returning to his room.
Lin Qingyang nudged Qi Yan, saying, “Let’s go quickly. If you want to die, don’t drag me into it.”
“Oh, come on, you’ve said plenty before,” Qi Yan stuck out his tongue.
Lin Qingyang rubbed his nose, unable to argue. They were the typical type who, when others didn’t include them, entertained themselves with their own banter—arrogant and presumptuous, fueled by the vanity of youth.
However, they were aware that discussing such topics was more sensitive and taboo than in previous dynasties.
After all, the current situation in the Great Zhou Dynasty was extremely complex.
The emperor had passed the position of Crown Prince to the only child of the late emperor, Yuan Ye, ostensibly to stabilize the situation at that time.
This act of benevolence naturally earned him a good reputation. People across the realm applauded, welcoming a seemingly good emperor.
Yet, precisely because of this, the political forces in the court became fragmented.
Although the new Crown Prince held a legitimate position, his actual relationship with the current emperor was that of uncle and nephew. The emperor had his own biological son, and it was uncertain whether he would be willing to make way for someone else. The new Crown Prince felt uneasy and was naturally not close to the current emperor.
As for the emperor’s own sons, they harbored dissatisfaction. If it weren’t for this new Crown Prince, the current eldest son would undoubtedly be the Crown Prince. Why should they yield their position to someone else? The status of the eldest son was neither here nor there, leading to ambitions among other princes, especially the third prince, who was currently the most favored by the emperor.
The backing of these three princes came from three of the four major families that had been passed down for a hundred years, creating a delicate balance with each faction vying for influence.
In the past, the original body couldn’t understand, but Lin Qingyang now understood. Although it seemed like a struggle among the three factions, there was actually a deliberate balance behind the new emperor’s actions. He intentionally prevented any single faction from becoming too powerful, consolidating his own imperial authority.
The recent public selection of imperial princes’ study companions was likely a move to further disrupt the power dynamics in the capital, allowing the new emperor to see clearly where the influential figures in the imperial city stood.
“Anyway… it’s none of our business. We just need to take care of ourselves.”
“Right, let’s enjoy the moment. How about we go out for some game meat and alcohol for dinner?” Qi Yan suggested with an optimistic smile, pulling Lin Qingyang along. “You haven’t had dinner yet, right?”
“Get lost, get lost, get lost. I still need to take care of someone.”
“Are you taking care of someone, or are you reluctant to leave this room?” Qi Yan hinted.
Lin Qingyang was puzzled. What’s the difference?
After sending Qi Yan away, as he walked back to his own inner chamber, he saw the person on the bed struggling to sit up.
Lin Qingyang’s throat tightened, feeling a bit nervous. “You’re awake? Did I just wake you up?”
Chu Lishu had already sat up. “I’ve had enough sleep. Today’s events really caused trouble for Second Cousin.”
“Not troublesome at all, not troublesome.”
Lin Qingyang wouldn’t let his guard down just because Chu Lishu had a good attitude. He quickly served ginger soup and delivered some food. However, the food had already cooled down, and only pastries were still somewhat palatable.
Fortunately, Shuncai had returned. Lin Qingyang had asked him to rest earlier and send the food later during dinner.
Chu Lishu wanted to get out of bed to eat, but Lin Qingyang stopped him. After all, there were wounds on his back, and moving around would strain them.
Lin Qingyang had Shuncai set up a small table on the bed, offering the meat-containing dishes to Chu Lishu and leaving two vegetarian dishes for himself.
“Eat more meat to supplement yourself and resist the cold,” Lin Qingyang said.
Chu Lishu glanced at the small table in front of him and then looked at Lin Qingyang happily nibbling on vegetables not far away. “Second Cousin, I can’t eat so much. You can…”
“I’m fine. I’m on a diet. It’s not advisable to eat meat at night,” Lin Qingyang said, grinning. “You eat more.”
Chu Lishu looked at Lin Qingyang’s smiling face, his gaze flickering.
He clearly remembered that Lin Qingyang loved meat. The dishes in front of him were chosen by Shuncai, and they were all Lin Qingyang’s favorites.
Was Lin Qingyang trying to give himself the best?
Chu Lishu didn’t say much. He picked up his chopsticks and took a piece of ribs, even though he wasn’t fond of meat.
After finishing their meal, Chu Lishu was about to return to his place.
“That won’t do!” Lin Qingyang almost reflexively refused.
“Why?” Chu Lishu’s tone was light, and he tilted his head, looking at Lin Qingyang with an indescribable emotion in his eyes.
I don’t even know if the check-in was successful. Tonight, I can’t let him leave no matter what.
“Your injuries haven’t fully healed yet, it’s better not to make too many movements. Your courtyard is too far from here,” Lin Qingyang mumbled, searching for reasons.
“But, if I stay here… where will Second Cousin sleep?” Chu Lishu directly raised a critical question. “Does Second Cousin plan to rest in my courtyard?”
Lin Qingyang was dumbfounded. After surveying the surroundings, he discovered another opulent couch at the foot of the bed. The original body was extravagant and wealthy, so naturally, his personal space was more comfortable than an average person’s.
“I can sleep on the couch,” Lin Qingyang suggested.
Chu Lishu frowned slightly, his tone turning colder. “Wouldn’t that be unfair to Second Cousin?”
Lin Qingyang was sweating behind his back. His actions seemed too much like an unrepentant thief. Wasn’t this practically asking to share the same roof with the male lead? The kidnapped male lead probably wouldn’t feel at ease. He might be thoroughly disgusted with Lin Qingyang.
But to survive, Lin Qingyang had to muster the courage and come up with a reason. “What if Cheng Yi harasses you again? He had a hard time during martial arts class today. If I stay by your side, it will be safer.”
Chu Lishu blinked, looking at Lin Qingyang as if he were a child who had done something wrong. His head drooped lower and lower.
“Well… then, I’ll trouble Second Cousin.”
This person would really go to such lengths for him. He was willing to endure this much hardship. He would rather sleep on the couch himself, ensuring that Chu Lishu could have the bed. Guarding him?
It wasn’t until Chu Lishu saw Lin Qingyang ordering Shuncai to tidy up the opulent couch that he finally suppressed the complex emotions filling his heart.
It was getting late, and Shuncai, the attendant, had to leave the Sun and Moon Pavilion to rest elsewhere.
After seeing Shuncai off, Lin Qingyang remembered Xu Wenze sitting nearby and went over to greet him, explaining that Chu Lishu would be staying overnight.
At that moment, Xu Wenze’s expression appeared somewhat strange, but it quickly returned to normal. Lin Qingyang thought he might have misunderstood and wondered why he had such a strong reaction. Was this action somehow against etiquette?
Xu Wenze soon expressed no objection and came over to inquire about Chu Lishu’s well-being.
Chu Lishu quickly expressed his gratitude for Xu Wenze’s earlier care.
“Are you sure you don’t need to consult a physician again? What if you catch a cold…” Xu Wenze suggested once again.
Chu Lishu smiled and said, “Thanks for your concern, but I know my body well. It’s really not a problem.”
Xu Wenze nodded and then gently said, “Let us take a look at the wound, you’ll need to change the dressing tonight. We’ll have to rely on us for that.”
Lin Qingyang slapped his forehead; he had forgotten about it. Shuncai had already left, so he would have to trouble Xu Wenze.
Lin Qingyang dared not handle Chu Lishu himself, fearing it might be misunderstood, so he had asked Xu Wenze and Shuncai to take care of the wound earlier.
This time, the male lead was definitely not pleased with the idea of this ‘secret admirer’ seeing or touching anything. Lin Qingyang was just thinking of finding a self-excuse to leave when he saw Chu Lishu sitting on the edge of the bed with his back turned, slowly removing his white inner garment, revealing a back covered in scars.
“Thank you for your trouble,” Chu Lishu said.
Lin Qingyang: ??? Why isn’t the male lead being vigilant against him!!!!
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when will next chapter’s translation come ? is it dropped or something?