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TRANSLATOR'S NOTE: This novel is written by Qing Dong, and I am just translating in English only.
UPDATE TIME: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
BONUS CHAPTER {if any}: On Sundays
NOTE: ●Hou = Marquis and Madam Hou is used for Mrs. Marquis or Marchioness
The first meeting with Master Zhen was too unexpected. Zhong Yansheng was worried and embarrassed to chat with others, so he left Changliu Villa with the man in black.
As soon as he stepped over the threshold, the door behind him closed with a bang, which was neat and cold.
This person should be looking after the real young master and dislike him.
Zhong Yansheng has always been very lovable. It was the first time he received such a cold reception. He was inevitably a little depressed, but he could only accept it.
Who told him to occupy someone else's position and benefit from it for more than ten years?
The sky was no longer as clear as before, and the wind on the lake in the distance was blowing, damp and cold, as if it was about to rain. When the wind blew, the tingling sensation on my neck became more obvious.
Zhong Yansheng couldn't help but stretch out his hand and touch it. When he lowered his head, he saw that his white fingertips were stained with blood, which was particularly eye-catching and made him feel dizzy.
Was it scratched when I fell on the flowers, or was it scratched by the sword?
It was a good thing that the wound was not discovered. Once the wound was discovered, the feeling became stronger and the pain was severe. Zhong Yansheng hissed, covered his neck and climbed into the carriage in a panic, turning out a bronze mirror.
After looking in the mirror for a long time, Zhong Yansheng bit his lip and endured the pain to wipe away the trace of blood, so as not to be discovered by others and unable to explain clearly.
Fortunately, the wound was very thin, only the skin was broken, and the blood could not be seen after wiping it off.
Just after wiping it, there were hurried footsteps outside. It was Yuncheng who was back.
Seeing the curtain of the carriage fluttering, Yun Cheng opened it and took a look inside. He saw the intact Zhong Yansheng and breathed a sigh of relief: "You're back, young master. I thought it might rain, so I came quickly. "
Zhong Yansheng stuffed the handkerchief into his sleeve guiltily and said as if nothing had happened, "Yeah."
"Madam may have returned home early, we have to go back quickly." Yuncheng untied the horse's rope, "Master, have you seen the person you wanted to see?"
Zhong Yansheng nodded: "Yes."
It was just different from what he imagined.
Quite different!
Their predictions were good. As soon as the carriage left Changliu Courtyard, they heard a rumble, heavy rain poured down, pattering on the carriage, and a fresh muddy smell floated in the air.
When the two sneaked back to the house, everything was calm in the Marquis Mansion, and no one seemed to notice that Zhong Yansheng and Yuncheng had sneaked out.
Guessing that Mrs. Marquis was about to arrive, Zhong Yansheng, with the help of Yuncheng, quickly changed into new clothes, combed his hair again, and washed his face. After finishing his work, he looked outside: "Is mother back?"
Yuncheng went out to inquire about it, then came back and shook his head: "Madam is not back yet."
It is strange. Jinfu Temple is on a mountain. If it rains, the mountain road will be difficult to walk. Mother should have gone down the mountain and returned early.
Zhong Yansheng was puzzled. After a while, he asked Yuncheng to inquire again.
Yuncheng ran several times until Zhong Yansheng had dinner alone in the courtyard and drank the tonic. At the end of the night, news came that Mr. and Mrs. Marquis were back.
Zhong Yansheng was worried that something had happened, so he got up and ran to the main courtyard. The boy behind him quickly held an umbrella to follow.
When Zhong Yansheng came to Madam Hou's courtyard, there was always no need to notify him, and no one would stop him. He walked into the main courtyard unimpeded. The maid led him to the Nuan Pavilion, wanting to go in and report.
Zhong Yansheng couldn't wait any longer, so he knocked on the door and shouted, "Mother, can I come in?"
After a while, the voice of Marquis of Huai'an came from inside: "Come in."
Zhong Yansheng immediately opened the door and entered. He didn't have time to greet her, so he rushed to see Mrs. Hou's condition.
The Marquis of Huai'an and his wife were sitting on the heated kang, seemingly chatting. Mrs. Marquis was fine, but her expression was a bit depressed.
The Marquis of Huai'an had not yet changed out of his court clothes, and his expression was as serious as ever. His eyes fell on Zhong Yansheng, and he said slightly reproachfully: "I just wanted to ask you to come over, and you came here. You just got sick, so you sneaked out to play?"
Zhong Yansheng's heart skipped a beat, and his long eyelashes trembled a few times guiltily. His eyes were erratic, and he secretly glanced at the Marquis of Huai'an for fear of being scolded.
That guilty little look was really cute. The worry on Mrs. Marquis's face was wiped away, and she covered her lips and smiled.
The Marquis of Huai'an asked in a stern tone: "Where have you been?"
"Just... wandering around the street." Zhong Yansheng had a flash of inspiration, lowered his eyelashes, and said in a lonely tone, "I am bored at home alone. I have been away from Beijing for more than ten years and I don't have many familiar friends ...It would be nice if there were an older brother at home.”
Zhong Yansheng has a very deceptive face. Most of the time, no one has the heart to criticize this beautiful face, let alone speak so aggrievedly, with a soft tone, like some kind of furry little creature. Animals are so pitiful and cute.
The Marquis of Huai'an and Madam Hou were silent at the same time, looking at each other, but no one spoke for a while.
After a long while, Mrs. Marquis couldn't help but stroke her son's furry head, and said softly: "It's okay if you want to go out to play, but you have to bring a few more people with you. The capital is not as good as Gusu, and I'm afraid you will be arrested outside or bullied by someone.”
Zhong Yansheng nodded obediently: "Okay."
No way.
If you bring more people, you won't be able to sneak away to Changliu Villa.
Seeing his obedient look, the majestic expression of the Marquis of Huai'an could not be restrained. He put his fist to his lips and coughed dryly: "Okay, daddy doesn't want to blame you. You went out to have fun all day long. Go back and rest early."
First, plant a seed in the hearts of the Marquis of Huai'an and Marchioness, letting them know that he is bored alone and will not resist the appearance of any brothers.
Zhong Yansheng quietly curved the corners of his lips, and deliberately maintained a lonely look when he left. His body was as thin as a piece of paper, and it was so lonely that it made people feel distressed just to look at it.
Mrs. Marquis couldn't help but say: "Otherwise, let..."
The Marquis of Huai'an was silent for a long time and shook his head: "It's not that I don't want to, but the current situation is really not suitable."
Madam Hou's brows were a little more melancholy, and she sighed softly. The Marquis of Huai'an stroked Madam's back and comforted her: "Madam, please go to his place more often in the name of worshiping Buddha. Haven't we already made arrangements? Wait for the right moment.”
Mrs. Marquis's eyes were red, she wiped the corners of her eyes, and finally nodded.
When they returned to Chunwuyuan, it started to rain again, and the spring thunder continued.
Zhong Yansheng had just gone out for a trip when he was sick. He was so tired that he closed the window and went to bed when he returned home. He had a nightmare all night amid the faint thunder that had been ringing for half the night.
Before he even opened his eyes the next day, he felt pain all over his body, especially his abdomen, which made him gasp in pain at the slightest touch.
I probably got injured yesterday, but I didn't notice it for a while.
Zhong Yansheng felt uncomfortable all over, but he didn't dare to call the doctor to see him. He huddled up in a small ball in the corner of the bed, lying next silently with tears in his eyes.
Yuncheng got up early. When he heard the noise, he walked around the screen to the bedside, lifted the quilt without seeing anyone, and called to the small bulge on the side of the bed: "Master, are you awake? I asked the kitchen to bring breakfast. By the way, Madam went to Jinfu Temple to worship Buddha again this morning, leaving the young master to eat by himself..."
Zhong Yansheng was still gritting his teeth to endure the pain, but he was delighted when he heard this.
Last night he was still worried about how to sneak out if his mother was at home.
For a moment, his lower abdomen no longer hurt so much. He rolled down from the bed and stepped on the carpet with his bare feet and disheveled hair. His eyes were bright: "Yuncheng, come on, let's go to Changliu Courtyard!"
Yuncheng was dumbfounded: "Are you going today? Hey... Master, please put your socks on first!"
After breakfast, Zhong Yansheng got smarter and moved everyone in the yard away. He sternly told them to study by themselves and not to disturb them, and then led Yuncheng out of the Marquis Mansion along the path like a thief.
Once again, Yuncheng quickly rented a carriage with his face covered. Seeing that Zhong Yansheng would probably have to run away later, he rented the carriage this time and took it back to the inn to rest.
The road to Changliu Villa was much quieter today, and no other carriages were seen.
Zhong Yansheng became more and more convinced that those rather luxurious carriages yesterday were for an outing in the suburbs of Beijing.
The rented carriage was not as loose, soft and comfortable as his own carriage. When he arrived at the bamboo forest outside the courtyard, Zhong Yansheng felt that he was about to fall apart. He hissed and gasped, and slowly got out of the carriage. He said feebly: "You go ahead and pick me up in two or three hours."
Yuncheng has a cheerful temperament. Yesterday he went to play with others and had already made friends with them. He agreed and went to find his playmates happily.
Just like yesterday, Changliu Villa was still as quiet as a huge monster. It had rained all night, and there was a hazy mist floating on the lake in the distance, and the wind was chilly.
Zhong Yansheng walked slowly to the door. Before he could knock on the door, the door creaked open. Behind the door appeared the young man in black from yesterday, his face still expressionless.
Zhong Yansheng felt that he had some personality, so he crossed the threshold and followed him inside, curiously asking: "What's your name? Did you come here with your brother?"
The young man in black ignored his words: "Please."
For some reason, Zhong Yansheng felt that he was walking much more urgently than yesterday, and his pace was extremely fast.
Zhong Yansheng's lower abdomen was still hurting, and he wanted to tell the other person to slow down, but he also felt that he would appear too demanding and too squeamish, so he was embarrassed to say it out loud. He gritted his teeth and tried to follow behind. His whole body was tired and aching, and his nose was pointed. They were all sweating a little.
The layout of Changliu Courtyard is very complicated, with many twists and turns. Fortunately, the road is not long. When he walked to a courtyard, Zhan Rong paused, stepped aside, and raised his hand to push the panting Zhong Yansheng inside, slamming the door shut.
Zhong Yansheng was exhausted. He was pushed and almost fell to the ground. He entered the courtyard and felt dizziness. He looked back blankly and then looked at the yard.
It was empty, there was deathly silence all around, and there was not a single living creature.
An uneasiness suddenly surged in his heart. He swallowed and froze in place for a while. He found that the door was slightly open. He hesitantly stepped forward and knocked on the door. He whispered: "Brother, are you in there?"
no response.
"May I come in?"
Still no response.
Thinking of the real young master's difficulty in moving, Zhong Yansheng was worried that something was wrong. He raised his sleeves and wiped the fine sweat on his face, opened the door, called his brother in a low voice, and walked in cautiously.
As soon as he stepped into the house, his eyes suddenly darkened. He accidentally kicked something under his feet, and there was a thud, which was particularly clear in the silence.
Zhong Yansheng's nerves were tense, and he was like a cat with exploded hair. He almost screamed. The fear in his subconscious made him subconsciously want to run away, but thinking about everyone in the Marquis Mansion, his legs were tightly locked in place.
Can't be afraid, can't run.
Holding the wall and exhaling deeply, Zhong Yansheng raised his head. It was broad daylight, and the surrounding windows were covered with black cloth. The field of vision was dim. His eyes couldn't adapt for a while, and he couldn't see clearly.
It's getting weirder and weirder.
Zhong Yansheng swallowed and lowered his head to take a closer look at what he had just kicked. When he lowered his head, he realized that the ground was in a mess. It was like a strong wind passing through the room. The incense burner was overturned and broken porcelain was all over the floor. There were few intact things outside. It was as if it had been visited by a thief.
Could it be possible that there really was a thief?
Zhong Yansheng's heart tightened, and he ignored the surprise and walked around the screen. Unexpectedly, as soon as he walked around, he heard a "whoosh" sound and something sharp brushed against the broken hair on his head, nailing it to the ground, on the wooden screen.
Because of the strong force, the heavy landscape mahogany screen shook and almost fell down.
Zhong Yansheng was so frightened that he almost lost his voice. His mind went blank for more than ten seconds. His thin chest heaved violently several times. His heartbeat was as fast as a drum. He turned his head stiffly. With his remaining sanity, he recognized that it should be a throwing knife.
With the speed and strength just now, if it had been a little off, it would have hit his head.
The fear that he realized later made him stunned on the spot, his eyes suddenly turned red, and there was a thin layer of mist in his eyes, like some kind of fragile gems. He raised his eyes blankly, and then he saw the person at the bedside.
In the darkness, the person sitting on the bedside had long messy and disheveled hair. He was only wearing a white tunic. His hair seemed to be stuck to the side of his face due to cold sweat. The gauze over his eyes fell halfway, revealing the lower half of his thick eyelashes. The blood-red eyes and handsome profile looked like a demon, more like some kind of beast. The eyes were extremely cold and manic, looking at him coldly.
Zhong Yansheng's keen sense of danger completely froze, and something in his mind was shouting frantically warning him to run away. The fear almost made him suffocate. It took him a long time before he squeezed out two trembling words from his throat: "Brother... elder brother?"
The thunder last night aggravated the headache that had finally been relieved slightly.
Hearing the young man's trembling voice, Xiao Nong lost part of his sanity in the severe pain and came back for a moment. He coldly examined Zhong Yansheng's reaction, seeing his thin body trembling, like a trembling bird with feathers folded up. So, suppressed and did not dare to scream.
Even if you can't see clearly, it's still moving.
So beautiful.
His thin lips were slightly raised, and he was clearly smiling, but there was no smile at all. There was a bit of amorous coldness in his handsomeness, coaxing him, and his voice was low and hoarse: "Come here."
Xiao Nong was sure that this timid little bird didn't dare to come over. He had seen too many people like this. They tried to seduce him, but were too scared to get close.
No one dared to come over when they saw him looking like a madman. They all regarded him as a madman who would lose control and kill people in the next second. Even his subordinates who had followed him for many years only dared to kneel outside the courtyard.
But he is indeed a murderous lunatic.
There was deathly silence in the room, and the boy beside the screen was frozen and motionless.
Xiao Nong pressed his painful temples, easily guessing the young man's escape route, and was ready to throw the flying knife at his fingertips into his thin heart at any time.
Beautiful and fragile little thing.
Xiao Nong closed his eyes and endured the pain that was about to pierce his brain. Sweat kept dripping from his back that no one could notice, soaking his snow-white silk clothes. In the chaos caused by the severe pain, he suddenly heard soft footsteps.
Very light, with hesitation in every step, but instead of running away, he slowly came closer.
A breath of moist and fragrant mist brushed the tip of his nose softly, and the strings in his mind that were about to break suddenly relaxed.
Xiao Nong's closed eyes opened again, watching the young man tighten his lips and approach the bed in small steps.
Zhong Yansheng knew that he was disgusting in the eyes of Master Zhen, but he didn't expect such a bad shock. His abdomen was still hurting from the bruise yesterday. When he moved to the bedside, his red lips pursed into a thin line. Not willing to speak.
But as he got closer, he squinted and realized that Xiao Nong didn't seem to be in good condition.
The complex feeling of guilt in her heart suddenly overcame her fear. Zhong Yansheng thought it was all his fault. If it weren't for him, the other party would be able to recuperate comfortably in the Marquis Mansion. How could he be alone here, feeling unsatisfied? It's normal to want to scare him.
"Do you have a headache again?"
Zhong Yansheng carefully bent down, looked into the red eye in the dim light, and tentatively spoke.
After a while, he saw the person on the bed nodded slightly, then tilted his head, as if in surprise: "Aren't you afraid of me?"
Zhong Yansheng answered honestly: "Afraid."
Then you dare to come here.
The headache eased slightly, and the violent urge to kill in his mind was suppressed. On the contrary, the evil in his stomach returned a little. Xiao Nong slowly changed his position, leaning on the bedside, his eyes as sharp as a wolf, looking at him, turned around and curled up the corner of his mouth: "Why didn't you call me?"
When he entered the house just now, he kept calling him brother.
After being frightened just now, Zhong Yansheng no longer wanted this cheap brother and remained silent after hearing this.
"Um?"
It's all for the Marquis Mansion, for the Marquis Mansion.
Zhong Yansheng recited it silently in his mind several times, pursed his lips and called, "...brother."
There's still a little choke at the end.
"Angry?"
"No." Zhong Yansheng denied in a low voice. His beautiful eyes were still red and sparkling with tears, but his tone was full of innocence. After thinking about it, he said seriously, "Brother, how dare I? It's not big, but don't scare me like that again.”
Looking at such a pair of clear eyes, His Highness Prince Ding, who had been a gangster in Mobei for more than ten years, felt an inexplicable sense of guilt for the first time in his life.
He seemed to be a ferocious beast that had been calmed down, and the evil aura around him gradually subsided. Looking at Zhong Yansheng, he suddenly remembered a bird he had seen in Liaodong before.
It was round, with fluffy feathers, timid and curious. It flapped its wings and landed in his palm, a small warm ball. The locals called it the silver-throated tit, an elf in the mountains.
Xiao Nong was silent for a while, then licked the corners of his lips: "Then, I'm sorry?"
Zhong Yansheng nodded slowly and expressed his understanding generously: "It doesn't matter."
There was a faint thud outside.
The secret guard who was hanging on the eaves and listening to the movement in the room fell down.