I Rely On The Collapse Of The Character Setting To Survive In The Hands Of The Male Lead Chapter 216

Chapter 216

The deaths of Imperial Concubine Huang and the Eldest Prince occurred without any commotion. The Wang family seemed to have been stripped of their status overnight, casting a somber atmosphere over the entire palace.

With the Third Prince injured and the Fourth Prince unwell, the Shiye Hall naturally remained closed, and the study companions had the opportunity to take leave and return home.

Lin Qingyang and Chu Lishu left the palace during the day because Chu Lishu’s condition was a cause for concern. After all, experiencing a qi deviation once was equivalent to forcibly breaking through the effects of the Tianxuan Pill, which had a significant impact on the body. They needed to return quickly so that Mu Huichun could assess the situation.

Lin Qingyang also felt it was better for Chu Lishu not to see those people in the palace for the time being. Enemies could be settled later; it was more important to focus on recuperating his health first.

Back at home, after Mu Huichun examined Chu Lishu’s pulse, he administered acupuncture and herbal baths. For the next few days, Chu Lishu didn’t leave the medicinal pavillion.

Lin Qingyang could see that Chu Lishu seemed listless, unsure whether it was due to his mood or his physical condition. Worried, he asked Mu Huichun about it.

Mu Huichun’s young face bore deep worry lines, “Don’t worry, he won’t die now, but he might live a few fewer years in old age due to excessive strain.”

“Is there any way to prevent this condition from recurring?” Lin Qingyang frowned. “What if he has another episode in the future…”

Chu Lishu had previously been driven to madness, so he already had a predisposition to mental illness. Combined with the side effects of Tianxuan Pill, it made his willpower extremely weak during episodes and heightened his vigilance towards the outside world, exacerbating the situation. Each time he lost control, it took a toll on his life.

“Only he can regulate or adapt to it himself, or else it’s a matter of avoiding situations that trigger him. Other than that, there’s no cure,” Mu Huichun replied.

“Junior brother, don’t scare my cousin,” Chu Lishu’s voice suddenly came from inside the medicine room.

Mu Huichun rolled his eyes and went in to remove the needles.

“Don’t scare him, he’ll worry,” Chu Lishu said, leaning over the bathtub with his upper body covered in silver needles.

“Then you better take care of yourself. You should know that the effects of Tianxuan Pill may not necessarily last until that point. As long as you have a few more episodes of losing control and revert back to your original martial arts, there will come a day when you suddenly return to your old self. By then, the consequences will be endless. And besides, haven’t you not finished what you need to do? Reverting to your old self wouldn’t benefit you,” Mu Huichun advised sternly.

Chu Lishu chuckled lightly. “I actually hope to return to my old self sooner rather than later. I’ve decided to expedite the process.”

“Huh? Why…” Mu Huichun was puzzled.

“Firstly, I don’t want those people to continue living, and secondly… I don’t want to make him wait any longer,” Chu Lishu explained. After all, he had already expressed such adorable sentiments; how could he waste any more time?

Mu Huichun found this version of Chu Lishu extremely unfamiliar. His former senior brother would never change his plans for personal feelings. ‘Being too emotional is not advisable,’ he would often say.

After finishing his internal monologue, Mu Huichun removed the needles. “Alright, come back once a day from now on. There’s no need to stay here any longer.”

Lin Qingyang thought Chu Lishu was gradually getting better, but he found that Chu Lishu’s mood had noticeably lowered by a notch. He often appeared absent-minded and became more silent, as if lost in thought at any moment. This worried Lin Qingyang greatly, especially since the original plot only mentioned his physical recovery, without addressing his emotional state.

Still concerned, Lin Qingyang could only consult with Yue Chen and Huo Luo. He felt that Chu Lishu had been too despondent lately and wanted to find a way to cheer him up.

Huo Luo noticed Lin Qingyang’s serious demeanor and was about to explain, but was interrupted by Yue Chen.

“Ah, you’ve noticed too. He’s really not in a good mood, and he doesn’t talk to us either. We’re worried he might develop some problems from keeping it all in. Do you have any plans? Tell us, we’ll help you make it happen!” Yue Chen earnestly offered advice.

Lin Qingyang brainstormed several ideas, but Yue Chen frowned as he listened. “It’s a good thought, and we appreciate your concern, but… Are you sure there isn’t a better way?”

“What method?” Lin Qingyang asked, puzzled.

Yue Chen grinned mischievously as he leaned in. “Whiten yourself up, strip down naked, and bring a little booklet to his bed.”

Before Lin Qingyang could react, Huo Luo beside him sprayed tea all over Yue Chen’s face.

“What’s the matter? When a man’s not feeling well, it might be because he’s been holding it in for too long and needs to let it out. When things below are relieved, the mood follows suit. He’s definitely been holding it in for a long time, so we should help him out,”

Lin Qingyang’s mouth twitched. “Heh, funny! Are you asking me to find him a woman?”

Yue Chen looked surprised at Lin Qingyang’s response but didn’t delve further. As a subordinate, he should have a sense of boundaries and not interfere too much in his master’s personal affairs. However, when it came to his master’s well-being, he still wanted to help.

So, while assisting Lin Qingyang in preparing various surprises, Yue Chen kept emphasizing the importance of men not holding back, attributing the main culprit affecting mood to physiological issues, and so on… It resulted in Lin Qingyang having dreams every night.

Once everything was prepared, Huo Luo’s mouth twitched as he asked, “Why deceive Qingyang? He’s so sincere. Are you deceiving even him? His Highness has actually been pondering how to expedite things during this time, which is why he always seems so preoccupied. It’s not really about his mood.”

Yue Chen shrugged. “Well, what if Qingyang goes to great lengths to cheer His Highness up? Wouldn’t His Highness be happy then?”

Huo Luo nodded. “Of course.”

“That’s it, isn’t it? His Highness is quite capable. Even if he’s troubled, he can force himself to digest it quickly. But it doesn’t mean there are no scars left behind, right? If the person he likes can bring him all kinds of joy at this time, why not do it?” With a mischievous smirk, Yue Chen wrapped his arm around Huo Luo’s neck. “I heard Qingyang’s family has a hot spring. When shall we go and try it out?”

Huo Luo squinted at him. “Try what? Trying you?”

Yue Chen chuckled mischievously. “Well, the heat will definitely be exceptional.”

Alright, Huo Luo couldn’t outwit Yue Chen’s banter, so he had to surrender.

With the Ministry of Revenue about to be purged, the Chen Lan Merchant Agency could gain a lot of benefits from it. Just now, Chu Lishu finished discussing official matters with his Cousin Liu and returned to the courtyard.

He felt a bit unhappy. Shouldn’t Lin Qingyang be accompanying him? Where has he been all day?

He was scowling as he entered the courtyard, but was immediately overwhelmed by the colorful decorations inside. Lanterns and streamers adorned the place, giving it a festive atmosphere.

In the middle of the courtyard, there was a banquet table, not just any banquet table, but one adorned with dishes from various restaurants he liked, all emitting steam. He usually didn’t openly express his preferences, and only Lin Qingyang, who had been observing him closely, knew about them. Gathering so many dishes would require arrangements with over a dozen restaurants, as well as time and effort to organize.

“You’re back already?” A voice suddenly sounded from behind.

Chu Lishu turned around in surprise and saw Lin Qingyang holding two wine pitchers, smiling as he said, “I just had Mu Huichun check them and he added some herbs inside, said it’s fine for you to drink. Come on, the dishes are all ready.”

“What’s all this preparation for…” Chu Lishu asked, astonished, as he followed inside.

“I noticed you haven’t been very happy lately, so I wanted to cheer you up,” Lin Qingyang replied with a smile.

Chu Lishu smiled helplessly and said, “I’m not unhappy.”

But Lin Qingyang paid no attention to him. After all, would a truly unhappy person admit it voluntarily? Lin Qingyang just went ahead with his plan to cheer him up, starting with filling their stomachs.

Although Chu Lishu felt it was a bit unexpected, he was satisfied with Lin Qingyang’s thoughtful arrangements to make him happy. Sitting down, enjoying his favorite dishes and wine, with his favorite person by his side, everything felt wonderful.

After three rounds of drinks, Lin Qingyang suddenly pointed to the sky and asked Chu Lishu to look.

Thinking Lin Qingyang wanted him to admire the moon, Chu Lishu complied, saying, “It’s beautiful…” Before he could finish speaking, there was a loud bang, and a firework burst open in the sky before them, unfolding a magnificent and stunning display. It was both breathtaking and beautiful. Quickly, like stars falling from the sky, it disappeared, only for a second firework to continue the beautiful display in its place.

The last time he saw fireworks from such a close distance was during his time as the Crown Prince, on the occasion of the Crown Prince’s birthday. Fireworks were not common among the common people, as they were costly and required approval from the authorities, making it quite troublesome. Therefore, except for major festivals, they were rarely seen.

Now, not only the courtyard they were in, but also the neighboring houses echoed with laughter and joy, creating a lively atmosphere.

The dazzling light seemed to ignite his heart. Chu Lishu turned to look at Lin Qingyang, seeing him excitedly watching the display. Then he turned back with a smile and asked, “Do you like it? It’s from the courtyard next to the Liu residence. The view from here is the best.”

Chu Lishu’s eyes sparkled in the reflection of the fireworks. Unable to resist, he reached out and took Lin Qingyang’s hand, nodding in agreement. “I like it.”

“Are you happy now?” Lin Qingyang immediately asked.

Chu Lishu nodded, truly feeling very happy, so happy that he almost wished he could embrace Lin Qingyang right there in the midst of the beautiful scene.

However, Lin Qingyang said, “It seems like you’re not completely happy yet. I have another trick up my sleeve! Next, you’ll definitely be very, very pleased.”

In ancient times, the duration of folk fireworks was not long, and just as the fireworks ended, Lin Qingyang grabbed Chu Lishu’s hand and ran towards the room. Once inside, they didn’t stop at the main room but continued towards the inner chamber.

Chu Lishu suddenly felt a void in his heart. Wait a minute… what does this mean? What does “very, very pleased” imply? Is he… cough… should he show that he’s very pleased later? He surely couldn’t refuse, but… wouldn’t that mean revealing their feelings for each other? He had intended to wait until the Six Ministries were completely secured, until he had the strength to confront their enemies before confessing to Lin Qingyang. By acquiescing now, he was already making concessions for Lin Qingyang. Otherwise, given his cautious nature, he would have waited until all their enemies were powerless against him before being honest with Lin Qingyang.

But now… if Lin Qingyang takes the initiative, he really shouldn’t resist, or else Lin Qingyang might get upset.

Lost in these thoughts, Chu Lishu was suddenly pulled to a table in the room by Lin Qingyang. It was then that he noticed something on the table covered with a red cloth.

Chu Lishu couldn’t help but wonder… Lin Qingyang’s collection?

Lin Qingyang cheerfully lifted the red cloth, revealing a soft glow that filled the entire room like a beautiful illusion.

On the table was a delicately crafted wooden projector lamp. Its projection on the wall displayed not only celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars but also simplified scenes of parents playing with children, creating an atmosphere of warmth and joy.

Chu Lishu looked in astonishment at the shadows projected on the wall, which were still moving. When he glanced back at the lamp, he noticed it was slowly rotating. Chu Lishu, who had some understanding of mechanical structures, quickly realized that it resembled certain components of the fan design used in Lin Qingyang’s courtyard for cooling, and it seemed to have been modeled after that.

Suddenly, a beautiful melody began to emanate from the lamp, albeit in a simplified form, but still clear and pleasant. It was Chu Lishu’s favorite song from his time as Yuan Ran.

Chu Lishu was beyond words to describe the ingenuity behind this setup.

“Is this your doing, Cousin? Is it for me?”

Lin Qingyang proudly rubbed his nose. “How about it? Impressive, right? Fortunately, Chang Jun left me some manuscripts before he left. This is one of a kind in the world. After I finished it, Eldest Cousin wanted to ask me for the manuscript to make and sell, but I didn’t give it to him. It can rotate when lit up, and it can make sounds too. Isn’t it pleasant to have it before going to bed at night to relax? The music was provided by Yue Chen, who said you would like it. This painting was carved out after I drew it. This…”

Lin Qingyang was enthusiastically introducing when suddenly he was hugged by Chu Lishu.

“Thank you… I really like it. Was it to cheer me up?”

“Hmm? Are you happy now?” Lin Qingyang asked with a smile.

Chu Lishu let go of Lin Qingyang and finally smiled, “I’m really happy, very happy.”

“That’s good. You don’t know, during this time, both Yue Chen and I were very worried about you. They also thought you were unhappy, so they were involved in today’s events to help.” Lin Qingyang said with a smile.

Chu Lishu was slightly taken aback. How did they know what he had been busy with during this time? Suddenly, a flash of realization crossed his mind. They must have felt sorry for him again, but he couldn’t help but be deeply moved by the sincerity of tonight’s gestures.

Chu Lishu was about to express how happy he already was when he heard Lin Qingyang speak up, “I really ran out of tricks. If I couldn’t cheer you up tonight, I don’t know what I would do.”

“Is it so important for you to cheer me up?” Chu Lishu’s gaze flickered.

Lin Qingyang nodded as a matter of course.

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Chu Lishu’s mouth, but it quickly faded, and he suddenly looked slightly troubled. “I’m very happy. Let’s stay together tonight. It’s a good opportunity to admire your masterpiece together.”

Lin Qingyang didn’t think too much about it. After all, it wasn’t the first time they had stayed over. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that Chu Lishu still wasn’t entirely happy. His change in expression was somewhat strange.

The two of them sat on the bed, chatting after a small drink. Suddenly, Chu Lishu looked somewhat hesitant and said, “Actually, cousin, I haven’t been unhappy lately.”

“Huh?” Lin Qingyang was puzzled, looking at Chu Lishu. Did he need to emphasize this? Chu Lishu didn’t need to stress it like this, right?

“It’s actually all because of Mu Huichun’s fault. His treatment for me has some side effects.”

“What! Are you feeling unwell?” Lin Qingyang exclaimed in surprise.

Suddenly, Chu Lishu reached out and grabbed Lin Qingyang’s hand from under the blanket. “Take a look…”

Lin Qingyang, puzzled, didn’t resist, but then, feeling something unusual in temperature and hardness, the confusion on his face faded, leaving only blankness. Reacting suddenly, he pulled his hand back, and Chu Lishu didn’t stop him, just sighed, “It’s unbearable every day.”

Lin Qingyang’s face was already red, too embarrassed to meet Chu Lishu’s eyes. Suddenly, he remembered Yue Chen’s words, realizing that it was indeed true. Was it really because of this that Chu Lishu seemed unhappy?

“Mu Huichun… What’s wrong with him? Didn’t you talk to him about it?”

“He said he couldn’t fix it. I just have to endure.”

“You… You… Can’t you… do something about it yourself? Do you want me to… leave? I’ll go!”

Lin Qingyang tried to get up, but was held back by Chu Lishu. “No need to leave. I won’t do anything. Besides, it’s not like I can do anything about it. I… don’t really feel anything myself. Maybe I’m just not sensitive in that area. Endure a bit, suffer for a moment, and it’ll be gone by the next morning.”

Oh my, no wonder he have been feeling down these days! Who can endure such a thing all night long? And Chu Lishu is indifferent in that regard? He… he really didn’t know. Wait a minute! Who was the stallion male lead in the original plot?

“Huh? Is it… like this? Is there no other way?! Don’t… don’t let this get better and cause problems in that area later!”

Lin Qingyang felt his tongue tying up, his head knotting up. In the middle of the night, they were talking about such intimate matters. He wanted to ask why it wasn’t possible, but the topic felt so dangerous, reminding him suddenly of that time in the palace bath.

But Chu Lishu suddenly spoke in a low voice, “Cousin, I think maybe you could help me try… do you remember…”

“I don’t remember,” Lin Qingyang panicked immediately. What kind of trying was he talking about? Could you even try something like this? He’s a man! But then he saw Chu Lishu squinting at him. “You clearly remember.”

Lin Qingyang’s cheeks were already burning. “Why are you telling me this? Don’t… don’t say anymore, let’s go to sleep.”

Chu Lishu complained softly, displeased, “I thought you were the one who cared about me the most, the one who wanted to make me happy. You did so much today, but when it comes down to it, you don’t care about me. You just let me suffer like this.”

“What are you talking about! How can I deal with something like this? I’m a man, remember? Do you remember that I’m a man?” Lin Qingyang protested.

But Chu Lishu suddenly leaned closer to Lin Qingyang, forcing their eyes to meet. “What does it matter if you’re my brother or a sister? I only remember feeling really comfortable that time. I’ve been suffering for days like this. Today, you said you wanted me to be happy, so I thought you would help me. Why won’t you just… try to help me? If it doesn’t work, then fine, but what if it does?”

Lin Qingyang’s face flushed crimson, unsure of what to say anymore.

Alarm bells were ringing in his mind—this wasn’t right, this shouldn’t be happening. What did Chu Lishu want him to do???

But just as Lin Qingyang’s mind was in turmoil, Chu Lishu grabbed his wrist again. Lin Qingyang’s arm tensed instantly, wanting to pull away, but he saw Chu Lishu looking at him with pitiful eyes, as if pleading. It was both heartbreaking and confusing.

“Qingyang… help me, please. Just think of it as helping me treat an illness. I’m really in pain, I’m begging you, help me.”

Lin Qingyang’s brain went blank for a moment, as if his soul had been summoned. He was utterly defenseless against this version of Chu Lishu.

All that echoed in his mind was one thought… It’s just hands, right?

Once again, his boundaries were breached.

In his sober state, Lin Qingyang’s hand was guided to touch gradually. The atmosphere was fervent, and Chu Lishu’s expression became increasingly intoxicated. Lin Qingyang’s gaze was vacant, his mind filled with questions—where was he? What was he doing? What was happening to him?

But the warmth in the palm of his hand kept eroding his rationality and moral compass.

“Indeed… this feels much better,” Chu Lishu breathed heavily beside Lin Qingyang’s ear, his voice husky and seductive. “Qingyang, do you want to…”

“No… there’s no need. I’m fine, you should focus on getting better,” Lin Qingyang felt like he responded, yet it also felt like he hadn’t. After all, he felt like his soul and body were separated at the moment.

“Qingyang, if you want me to get better faster, then don’t let me guide you like this. Are you usually so awkward and clumsy when you do it to yourself? By doing this, you’re making it even harder for me,” Chu Lishu responded.

“But… but you just said it felt good!” Lin Qingyang suddenly felt wronged.

Chu Lishu chuckled softly in his ear, the sound sending tickles straight to Lin Qingyang’s core, making him feel flushed all over.

Chu Lishu persisted in his ear, “Qingyang, I’m begging you. You must be better at this than me. Just make me feel a bit more comfortable, won’t you? Or are you really unable to do it?”

Lin Qingyang swallowed hard, closed his eyes, and gritted his teeth, “You brought this upon yourself!”

Little rascal, teasing me like this! I’ll show you!

Lin Qingyang couldn’t resist taking the lead, causing Chu Lishu to lose his breath. Lin Qingyang’s actions left Chu Lishu trembling, barely able to grasp onto Lin Qingyang’s shoulders like a drowning man.

Lin Qingyang stole a glance at Chu Lishu, whose black hair was disheveled, his fair skin flushed with a rosy hue. His black lashes trembled as if they had been mistreated, leaving Lin Qingyang feeling parched.

When Chu Lishu raised his eyes, they instantly locked with Lin Qingyang’s, causing both of them to hold their breath.

Suddenly, Chu Lishu lifted Lin Qingyang with force.

Lin Qingyang found himself sitting on Chu Lishu’s lap, carried along by the motion.

His hands remained in position, and the covers were thrown off, leaving everything in plain view. The shocking scene momentarily stunned Lin Qingyang, but he felt no discomfort. Instead, seeing Chu Lishu on the brink of losing control, with his tense neck, heaving chest, and trembling abdomen, filled Lin Qingyang with an unexpected sense of accomplishment.

Chu Lishu’s hand naturally rested on Lin Qingyang’s leg as he knelt, while his other hand grasped Lin Qingyang’s arm. His neck tilted back, eyes downcast, as if in the throes of some intense craving, struggling internally. With narrowed eyes and a hoarse voice, he commanded, “Continue!”

That command, it didn’t sound like Chu Lishu but rather the authoritative voice of the Crown Prince Yuan Ran.

Lin Qingyang’s heart trembled, obediently complying. Yet, as he observed every subtle change in Chu Lishu’s expression caused by his actions, his own heart began to tremble in sync. It was as if he held the power to control Chu Lishu’s emotions. The feeling of having such a perfect man under his control was intoxicating.

This feeling… feels good!

Lin Qingyang’s gaze also gradually changed. Before long, Chu Lishu’s face showed a painful and longing expression. Suddenly, he reached out and embraced Lin Qingyang’s waist tightly, pulling him down. In an instant, Chu Lishu let out a muffled groan, biting down on Lin Qingyang’s shoulder.

Lin Qingyang felt not only in his hands but also as if something splashed onto his chest.

Lin Qingyang’s expression shifted from confusion to embarrassment. He felt as if his whole body was being scorched mercilessly in a raging fire. Eventually, he attempted to escape, but Chu Lishu saw through him with a single glance and forcefully flipped him over.

Due to their previous position, Lin Qingyang’s legs were completely trapped, sandwiched between Chu Lishu’s waist and abdomen.

His slender legs seemed to be forced into a bent position, yet also appeared weakly draped over the bed.

And Lin Qingyang, the rebellious unfiilal son…

“Cousin, one more time, this time let’s do it together…”

Chu Lishu’s low, hoarse voice sounded like a demonic whisper as he grabbed Lin Qingyang’s hand and embarked on the journey once more.

Lin Qingyang’s hand seemed to be out of his control. He lay on the pillow, and every time he lowered his head, he could see… a scene that he couldn’t imagine would ever happen to him.

His mind was on fire.

Chu Lishu pressed down on him, one hand running up his abdomen.

Lin Qingyang trembled, feeling like everything in front of him had become surreal, like a dream.

This was wrong… but… he couldn’t resist.

His brain was a tangled mess of confusion, not knowing how much time had passed. Lin Qingyang only felt his scalp tingling and his body repeatedly tortured by a certain desire.

Finally, after reaching some kind of extreme, Lin Qingyang seemed to see Chu Lishu lower his head. However, due to the sensations in his body, Lin Qingyang was jolted upward, as if he missed something. He felt something soft touch his chin, tracing along the curve of his jawline to his neck, where his Adam’s apple was firmly bitten.

It felt like his life was being gripped by some wild beast, swallowed whole.

In an instant, a white light flashed.

“Lin Qingyang…”

Lin Qingyang seemed to hear something, but his consciousness was enveloped in a haze, and he couldn’t recall what happened afterwards. He was in a semi-conscious state, too embarrassed to face what he had done. He didn’t know when Chu Lishu had stopped.

All he felt was an indescribable sense of relief, from the depths of his soul to the surface of his body, as if he had undergone a rebirth.

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