Chapter 126: It Turns Out
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Yuwen You tried to move his lower body but found no feeling at all. His heart sank like a stone to the bottom of a valley. Had he been crippled by the beating? He held back tears and despair, angrily saying, “You might as well just kill me, or else…”
Yuwen Chu stopped him from saying more, saying indifferently, “Why would I kill you? Do you think, just because you’re alive, I can’t win her heart? You underestimate me. Just live well. Just remember, you have no shame, but others do. Don’t always force yourself onto others. They don’t appreciate it.”
Yuwen You had never known that his sixth brother could be so venomous in his words. He had always thought that his sixth brother, who appeared silent and reserved, was actually the most amiable, smooth, considerate, and generous one among his brothers. He was also the least contentious. He had never thought that he could be so shocking when he did speak, snatching his fiancée without hesitation, and revealing his face in one fell swoop, leaving him feeling ashamed and bloodied.
For a moment, Yuwen You couldn’t find anything to say in response. He remained silent for a long time before chuckling, “The cruelest are those of royal blood. I truly understand this saying today. So, Sixth Brother, are your calculations for Fu Mingzhu just for her?”
Yuwen Chu glanced at him and said calmly, “What do you want to say?”
“That person…” Images of Mingzhu’s smiles and frowns, her coquetry and anger, flashed before Yuwen You’s eyes. Thinking of her admiration and care for him in the past, and her heartless hatred towards him later, he suddenly felt heartbroken. After today, there would never be anyone in this world who would treat him as tenderly and sincerely as she did. After today, there would never be anyone who would wholeheartedly offer their love to him.
The arm that had been bitten by Mingzhu had already healed, but suddenly, it started to ache fiercely, unbearable. He thought, perhaps unintentionally, he had missed the most beautiful and pure scenery in the world, wasting his father’s earnest expectations for him.
Yuwen You turned his head, wiping away a tear from the corner of his eye, and whispered, “That person is pure and true. Do you think, knowing your schemes, she would still treat you sincerely? No, she wouldn’t. You will never get her true affection.”
Yuwen Chu sneered, “How do you know that my intentions towards her are only schemes?”
“You…” Yuwen You suddenly looked up at Yuwen Chu, only to see him standing tall in the half-light, his eyes deep and black, with a subtle tenderness at the corners of his lips. Suddenly, many past scenes flooded back, many unnoticed fragments were recalled—Mingzhu’s eyes following him, while Yuwen Chu’s eyes were following Mingzhu. Unfortunately, he realized her value only after losing her. Mingzhu had not yet realized it, and she might never appreciate it in the future.
Yuwen You laughed bitterly, “So that’s how it is. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know, and she might never appreciate it.”
“Someday, she will. I’m not as stupid and useless as you.” Yuwen Chu strode out, meeting the Shaoqing of the Dali Temple who hurriedly approached.
The Shaoqing’s face was twisted into a bitter gourd, following him and complaining softly, “Your Highness, His Majesty has decreed that since Linan Wang is seriously injured and unable to complete the punishment, today’s session will be suspended, and the punishment will be given when he has recovered. How, how can this be good?”
“No need. Linan Wang woke up just now, and I’ve already ordered them to finish it.” Yuwen Chu saw the Shaoqing’s hesitation and looked at him coldly. “Do you have any more questions, sir?”
The Shaoqing couldn’t meet his gaze and hurriedly lowered his eyes, trembling as he said, “None, Your Highness.”
Yuwen Chu turned and walked away with large strides.
They were all troublesome ancestors. With just a few words, they could trouble him for a long time. Since Ying Wang said it was finished, then he would consider it finished.
The Shaoqing minister sighed heavily, angrily scolding his subordinates, “Why haven’t you sent Linan Wang back to his residence?” Looking at Yuwen Chu’s departing figure, he suddenly realized that his back was covered in sweat. This Ying Wang, usually appearing calm and indifferent, had such a powerful aura. He must be hiding his strength.
He was probably not someone to be trifled with.
In the palace, there’s political maneuvering; the power lies with the relatives of the emperor. The current emperor is young and cruel, not virtuous. The royal family is youthful, and the older generation of princes stationed at the borders have considerable military power. This is not good for the stability of the state. Sooner or later, the realm will fall into chaos.
Shaking his head, the Shaoqing sighed and personally escorted Yuwen You back home.
Yuwen You lay humiliated on the soft stool, motionless, looking as if he were already dead. The Shaoqing couldn’t help feeling some sorrow at his appearance. The dignified bloodline of the late emperor, the honor of a prince, had fallen to such a humiliating and helpless state. He wanted to comfort him a few words, but he feared that it would be heard by spies from various factions. So, he escorted him outside the gates of the Ministry of Rites and whispered softly when no one was around, “Your Highness, forgive any offenses. Please focus on recovering from your injuries.”
Yuwen You slowly turned his head, glanced at him faintly, then closed his eyes again.
The Chief Steward and Changshi of the Linan Wang’s Mansion were already waiting outside in their carriage. When they saw someone coming out, they silently surrounded him and carefully lifted him into the carriage. Only when the carriage started moving did they sigh, “Why did His Highness have to do this! Let them handle their own affairs. Why interfere in the middle? Although Zhongshan Wang is protecting you, offending the Min family is not a good idea!”
Yuwen You stubbornly replied, “From now on, I owe her nothing.” But in his heart, he thought that seeing Fu Mingzhu like that, even if he didn’t intervene, she would find a way to resolve this crisis herself. However, he couldn’t bear to be easily kicked out of her life like this. He used to find her annoying whenever she was involved, but now he felt such unwillingness. What exactly was it for? He felt lost for a moment.
The Linan Wang’s Mansion was quiet and lifeless in the night, even dimmer than other mansions. Even the dogs dared not bark loudly; they had to wag their tails and behave, afraid of drawing anyone’s ire. Yuwen You was both in pain and annoyed, unable to sleep peacefully. Suddenly, he heard people whispering outside and was about to react when the Changshi, Ruan Qingshang, entered excitedly. His eyes gleamed as he said, “There’s a visitor asking to see His Highness. The situation is special, so I took the liberty of letting them in. They’re waiting outside. Shall I let them in?”
Could it be someone from Zhongshan Wang? He was the only one who would unconditionally sympathize with him. Yuwen You became excited, “Quick, let them in!”
As the door opened, a slender figure swiftly walked in, the green hood covering the entire face in shadow. Although not clearly visible, there was a strange familiarity. Could it be that Fu Mingzhu had suddenly had a change of heart? Yuwen You’s heart skipped a beat, his throat tightening, almost unable to breathe. “You…”
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