Chapter 138
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“Why are you looking at me… Cough, cough…” Lin Qingyang was so anxious that he almost choked on his own saliva. Even when applying frostbite medicine last time, no one saw it!
His back, he himself hasn’t seen it!
“Applying medicine for you,” Chu Lishu said calmly.
“What!” Lin Qingyang became even more uncomfortable. Shouldn’t applying medicine be the job of a medicine boy? He would rather be seen by a eunuch than by the male lead. Don’t ask why, it’s just embarrassing.
“I am your cousin; taking care of your injury is only natural, right? Moreover, it’s because of me that you got injured, so I should take responsibility,” Chu Lishu said as he brought the medicine over and handed it to Lin Qingyang’s mouth.
Lin Qingyang wanted to speak, but the medicine was already at his mouth, and he had no choice but to drink it hastily. Only then did he find a chance to say, “How can you say it’s because of you? It’s all for the Fourth Prince, for the future!”
“No, it’s because of me. It’s all my fault,” Chu Lishu frowned, gritted his teeth, and spoke.
Now he deeply regretted his actions. He should have thought of more solutions, not assuming it was a simple matter that a couple of measures could easily accomplish. Believing that the simplest tasks didn’t require much consideration for potential complications proved to be a grave mistake. If even the simplest matters are approached without caution, progress becomes difficult. The outcome made him realize that even seemingly straightforward tasks could turn unlucky. It was his lack of thoroughness that caused Lin Qingyang to get injured.
He had to be more careful and considerate.
“You’re not wrong. Unexpected situations can always happen. No one is perfect. Honestly, if I hadn’t taken the initiative back then, would you have acted?” Lin Qingyang asked, tilting his head.
Chu Lishu looked at Lin Qingyang with a profound gaze.
Lin Qingyang pursed his lips and said, “Definitely. Right? But if it were you going into the water and getting hit, with your physique, could you endure it? Without someone controlling the situation, who would handle the subsequent matters? I wouldn’t mind, but you…”
In reality, Lin Qingyang knew that Chu Lishu had an inherent habit of putting himself in danger. Returning in such a manner, he had probably gone through an intense experience. How could he have the patience to use a gentle but less effective approach to achieve his goal? As long as the quickest route led to the best results, even if taking a wrong step meant falling into an abyss, Chu Lishu wouldn’t mind. However, these were standards he imposed on himself, not something he expected from others. So, he could endure all of this to achieve his goal but couldn’t allow Lin Qingyang to do the same.
“Hey!” Chu Lishu seemed to be suddenly provoked. He slammed the medicine bowl down heavily, got up, and paced angrily around the room before returning to the bedside. The way he stormed around, Lin Qingyang felt like he was about to get punched.
Chu Lishu looked at Lin Qingyang’s face and then moved his gaze to the injuries on his back. The crisscrossing bloodstains on the fair skin created a cruel yet captivating beauty. However, it also pained Chu Lishu’s heart.
“Don’t…don’t look. Even if I have to air it out, it doesn’t mean it’s open for an unlimited time for others to visit. Do I have no dignity?” Lin Qingyang said, feeling embarrassed.
“You still care about dignity!” Chu Lishu finally sat down somewhat dejectedly, looking at Lin Qingyang’s face. “Then why didn’t you follow my orders? I would naturally come up with the best plan, find the most convincing excuses, and maybe even avoid this beating.”
“Oh? Is… is that so?” Lin Qingyang suddenly felt embarrassed.
Chu Lishu was taken aback, realizing he shouldn’t have said that. The truth was, the outcome was uncertain no matter what. Saying such words seemed to negate Lin Qingyang’s efforts altogether.
Chu Lishu’s eyes flickered. “Alright, I admit, I was exaggerating. I might not be able to do that, and I might face the same punishment as you.”
Indeed, Lin Qingyang’s eyes lit up.
Chu Lishu softened, taking Lin Qingyang’s hand. “But I don’t want you to get hurt. I promised Aunt that I would keep you safe, and yet you’ve been injured a few times already since you came in?”
“What’s wrong with that? I’m a man, and they are just minor injuries. In this kind of struggle, only those who can preserve their lives are the kings. Besides, I have Young Master Cheng Yi keeping me company in sharing the punishment. It’s worth it. Don’t treat me like a woman, okay?” Although Lin Qingyang appreciated the concern from the male lead, being overly protected made him feel uncomfortable. Seeing Chu Lishu’s reaction, Lin Qingyang couldn’t help feeling guilty. Most of the time, he was focused on completing his mission.
Chu Lishu stared at Lin Qingyang for a while. “Lin Qingyang…”
Lin Qingyang shuddered, wondering why he was suddenly addressed by his full name.
“Listen to me, okay?”
Chu Lishu’s gaze was intense. While others’ eyes could only communicate to a certain extent, Chu Lishu’s eyes had the power to give commands.
Lin Qingyang nodded obediently.
But whether to obey the command was another matter.
Chu Lishu stayed overnight and slept on a couch in the outer room. Lin Qingyang could call him if he felt uncomfortable. He advised Lin Qingyang not to worry about other things for now; they had done their best, and if things didn’t improve, they might have to abandon the entire plan.
Although Lin Qingyang endured the pain, it was really unbearable. The pain in his back was throbbing and made him feel as if every muscle and bone were aching.
Lin Qingyang could endure pain, but he felt it was unnecessary. Pain reliever: 3
Soon, the pain subsided, allowing Lin Qingyang to finally sleep peacefully, awaiting natural recovery.
Lin Qingyang silently prayed for the mission to go smoothly; otherwise, it would be a case of gaining nothing but losing something.
On the second morning, Lin Qingyang, still half-asleep, felt a strange sensation on his back. This sensation stirred certain morning phenomena in his body. However, since he was lying face down, he quickly woke up from the disturbance.
Lin Qingyang finally realized that someone was touching his back. He turned around abruptly, only to see Chu Lishu earnestly extending his hands, feeling something.
“You…” Lin Qingyang’s voice trailed off, sounding completely different.
Chu Lishu, however, turned around earnestly and with concern, asking, “Did I wake you up with the touch? Should I be gentler?”
Lin Qingyang had only one thought echoing in his mind at that moment.
Why isn’t he using a small wooden spoon to apply the medicine?!!!!
How could he let the male lead touch a man’s back directly!
This is not right!
Ah ah ah! He almost had a reaction; it’s too embarrassing.
“You, don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t! I can do it myself, really!”
“What nonsense are you talking about? Doesn’t it hurt? Considering your injuries, even a slight movement should cause you intense pain. Don’t pretend to be strong and shy at this moment.”
“No, I’m not in pain. I really don’t feel a thing!”
Male lead, trust me! Right now, I could flip and dance for you; there’s absolutely no need for your precious hands to do this!
These buttocks, they’re not worthy!
“Don’t move!” Chu Lishu was really angry. How could it not hurt? In the morning, when he passed by Cheng Yi’s room to get the medicine, Cheng Yi’s cries were loud enough to be heard in three courtyards. Even if Lin Qingyang had a high pain tolerance, he couldn’t possibly be better than Cheng Yi.
He was afraid of making Lin Qingyang uncomfortable, so he deliberately chose a time when Lin Qingyang was still in his dreams to apply the medicine. Yet, not only did he wake him up, but now Lin Qingyang wasn’t even admitting to feeling pain.
How much was he trying to show off!
Seeing Lin Qingyang still attempting to struggle to prove that he wasn’t in pain, Chu Lishu directly threatened, “Move again, and I’ll strip you naked! Let’s see if you will be embarrassed or not!”
In an instant, Lin Qingyang yielded.
It was too suffocating. He truly didn’t feel any pain, but with the way the male lead was applying the medicine, he felt like he wanted to find a crack to hide in.
He regretted it. He shouldn’t have taken the pain-relief medicine. Even if it hurt, it would be better than the gentle rubbing and touching he was experiencing now.
He felt like he was driven crazy by this itching sensation.
Well, since things had come to this point, he could only pray that the male lead would finish quickly.
Chu Lishu saw him quiet down, and then began to carefully apply the medicine. However, his gaze would still pay attention to Lin Qingyang’s condition. He refused to shout, unsure of where it might hurt, and when he might be too forceful. He could only use the bulging veins on his neck and the muscles on his face as a reference.
However, he noticed that Lin Qingyang’s neck gradually turned red, all the way to his earlobes, and his face also blushed.
Was he this shy?
He remembered that they had even bathed together, so there was no need for such shyness, right?
Chu Lishu, lost in his thoughts, suddenly sensed that something was off. Nothing could be seen through the gap in the thighs, but it was highly likely…
Chu Lishu’s hand paused, and his ears turned slightly red. No wonder Lin Qingyang had such a strong reaction.
Indeed, Lin Qingyang had feelings for him, and being touched by him like this could lead to such a situation. Originally, he thought it wouldn’t be possible to have a morning reaction under such painful circumstances, but unexpectedly… Wasn’t he still in a lot of pain now?
Could it be!
Chu Lishu’s hand trembled. Could it be that Lin Qingyang was more responsive to pain?
This… this… was truly putting people to the test. Chu Lishu himself didn’t have such a preference, but…
Since Lin Qingyang liked it, he would make a mental note and try it later.
Unable to resist, Chu Lishu cleared his throat. The originally serious act of applying the medicine had become somewhat improper now.
However, in order to spare Lin Qingyang from suffering, Chu Lishu quickly completed the task.
To make Lin Qingyang feel better, he swiftly changed the topic.
“By the way, our plan has initially succeeded. The Crown Prince couldn’t make it, so the Eldest Prince took his place.”
Yuan Ye had been maintaining an abnormally high temperature. Initially, it might not have been a big deal, but due to excessive nervousness, his body became uncomfortable. He had not slept all night and vomited in the morning.
It seems that the plan is difficult to proceed. Even if Yuan Ye is unwilling, he has no choice but to let the Emperor decree and have the Crown Prince replaced by the eldest son.
In this regard, the Emperor is still following the rules. If the Crown Prince doesn’t go, then the eldest son will take his place. This matter cannot be handled by favoritism.
Therefore, the Third Prince, the Fourth Prince, and the ailing Crown Prince can only wait in the palace.
Lin Qingyang finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, “Then we can proceed with the next steps.”
Chu Lishu nodded, “Everything outside has been arranged. We just need to wait for the news.”
The grand procession set off from the capital, and it was the first time the Eldest Prince had experienced such glory. He felt that this was an opportunity given to him by the heavens, allowing him to enjoy everything he deserved.
As he looked at the people kneeling along the road, the Eldest Prince reaffirmed what he wanted. His posture on the horse became even more heroic.
Meanwhile, the Third Prince was already infuriated, kicking over everything he could in the palace.
“We should have thrown the Eldest Prince into the water back then,” the Third Prince said angrily.
“Son, temper your arrogance and impatience,” Concubine Pei gently advised. “Pei Jin, how do you view this matter?”
“This incident will surely lead to conflict between the Crown Prince and the Eldest Prince, which might not be a bad thing for us,” Pei Jin replied.
Concubine Pei nodded, saying, “I share the same thoughts. The Crown Prince is narrow-minded and won’t let this matter go easily. He will seek an opportunity for revenge, and we can benefit from it.”
As they spoke, a messenger arrived with news.
Concubine Pei took the confidential letter and, upon reading it, her delicate eyebrows shot up in shock. She exclaimed, “The Crown Prince is arranging an assassination attempt on the Spring Plowing team!”
The Third Prince and Pei Jin were equally startled and immediately gathered to see. It was a message sent by Pei Jin’s father, who had sensed unusual movements outside, headed towards the outskirts. The plan seemed to target the return of the expedition team to the city, and the source of this force appeared to be coming from the direction of the East Palace.
Pei Jin’s father couldn’t confirm it but urged Concubine Pei to verify the situation within the palace.
Concubine Pei remained silent with a stern expression. As the Third Prince was about to leave, Pei Jin immediately stopped him, saying, “I feel that something is amiss. The Crown Prince wouldn’t act so recklessly, risking an assassination on the Emperor and the Eldest Prince just for a Spring Plowing Ceremony. Unless all the strategists around the Crown Prince are wiped out, it’s impossible…”
However, the Third Prince directly shrugged off Pei Jin, saying, “You are too indecisive in your actions, always hesitant and cautious. What? Did my slap last time scare you so much that you dare not take risks anymore? His strategists also have to follow his orders. If it were me, I wouldn’t swallow this anger. I would send some fearless warriors to stir up trouble, create a bit of chaos. Everyone knows that the Emperor has a guard army; ordinary assassins can’t get close. I guess it’s just for show, to disgust people when spoken out loud.”
“Your Highness, things have been off since the Crown Prince’s drowning incident. Otherwise, how could it be so coincidental? I advise Your Highness to be cautious. It’s better not to get involved in such matters.”
“Tsk, fine. I’ll investigate first and decide after I find out the truth,” the Third Prince said, discontentedly running off.
Concubine Pei sighed as she set down the note, murmuring, “If it’s true, it might indeed be an opportunity.”
“Aunt, you also think…” Pei Jin anxiously inquired.
“Pei Jin, you are, after all, a woman. In your nature, you’re hesitant and risk-averse. I don’t blame you; sometimes caution and carefulness are crucial. So, this time, let’s first see what’s going on in the Eastern Palace.” Concubine Pei said slowly. “Even if your father’s information is incorrect, we shouldn’t have any problems on our end.”
Pei Jin’s expression turned grim, and she couldn’t say anything more.
Shortly after, the Third Prince excitedly ran over and said, “Yuan Ye did send someone sneaking out, probably to contact assassins. It seems he wants to create some trouble, convey to the people that the disastrous incident at the Spring Plowing Ceremony happened because it was the Eldest Prince who was replaced by the Crown Prince.”
Pei Jin remained skeptical, emphasizing the possibility of inaccurate information. However, the Third Prince believed that even if the information was wrong, they were going to save lives, not engage in anything harmful, so there was no harm in going.
Empress Pei, in the end, did not heed Pei Jin’s advice and made a firm decision.
Soon, the Pei family dispatched a significant number of their own people to the location.
Before long, the Spring Plowing Ceremony concluded, and the procession was set to return to the imperial city.
Passing through the outskirts once again, suddenly, someone approached to report to the Emperor. The person was General Zhao.
“What’s going on? Assassins?” the Emperor inquired.
“I don’t know, Your Majesty. I just received information that there are unidentified individuals surrounding this area in a circular formation,” General Zhao replied.
“Hmph! The whole city knows that the Eldest Prince and I will pass through here. If there are people and horses approaching, what else could it be if not an assassination attempt? General Zhao!”
“I’m here!”
“Lead the troops straight there. I want to see who dares to break the rules.”
As they were speaking, suddenly an arrow shot from the sky towards the Emperor’s carriage, but it was quickly intercepted by General Zhao, who was protecting the Emperor.
Enraged, the Emperor shouted, and Prime Minister Li immediately declared the presence of an assassin. “Protect the Emperor!” The Eldest Prince swiftly arrived at the Emperor’s side, holding a red-tasseled spear, ready to defend the Emperor.
“Go, capture them alive for me!”
The Spring Plowing Ceremony, being targeted on the way, was an extremely ominous event. Was this implying that the Emperor was losing the people’s favor?
For the Eldest Prince, it was a direct affront to his dignity. When the Crown Prince attended the ceremony in the past, nothing happened, but this year, trouble arose.
In the Emperor’s fury, blood was inevitable. Soon, the sounds of slashing echoed from the woods.
After a tense standoff, General Zhao, with a dozen survivors, finally reached the Emperor.
The dozen individuals seemed dumbstruck. In the presence of the Emperor, they dared not speak the truth and could only stand there in silence.
The Emperor ordered General Zhao to send the captives to the Imperial Court of Justice Review for investigation. They were not dressed in attire suitable for stealth, and clues were likely to be discovered. The Emperor wanted to uncover the identities of these mysterious individuals.
And so, the group of ‘assassins’ was taken away.
The Spring Plowing procession could then safely return.
By the time the Emperor returned to the palace, the Imperial Court of Justice Review had swiftly revealed the results of the investigation. Although the individuals stubbornly refused to confess, the evidence found on them traced back to the Pei family.
Surprisingly, these were the skilled individuals sent by the Pei family to rescue the Emperor.
In this short span, the narrative shifted dramatically to label them as assassins. The outskirts had no actual organized group of assassins; it was merely a group from the Pei family.
Concubine Pei and the Third Prince, who had already heard about the developments, were stunned. They immediately rushed to see the Emperor.
As they knelt down, preparing to plead their case, the Emperor angrily threw the documents in his hand, hitting them in the face. The Emperor was furious.
“What have you done, the Pei family! Why does Old Three now covet my throne?”
“It’s a misunderstanding, Your Majesty!”
Having learned all the news, Chu Lishu finally went back to report to Lin Qingyang.
At least, it could be proven that Lin Qingyang receiving the punishment was not in vain.
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