Chapter 33 - I'll Come Again Tonight
Upon awakening the next morning, Teng Yu found himself gazing blankly at the ceiling of his white tent for an extended period.
Physically resembling Huo Zhengquan, Teng Yu exuded an entirely distinct temperament. Despite his rugged and righteous appearance, one wouldn't suspect him of villainy.
Yet, Huo Family's Seventh Young Master appeared remarkably mild and affable, though his penetrating gaze could instill an inexplicable chill.
“Third Prince might get the wrong idea if you look at me so affectionately this early,” Yin Xu remarked, her eyes twinkling as she spoke.
Familiar with Yin Xu's penchant for teasing, Teng Yu paid it no heed. “You've already rested, shouldn't you take a knee and rest?”
“Hmm? After spending the night with the Third Prince, you neglect to provide breakfast?” Yin Xu quipped.
Outside, Han Sen overheard the banter and, coincidentally, the servant entered to attend to him. Quickly, Han Sen bowed and asked, “Your Highness, breakfast is served. Would you and Seventh Young Master like to rise and freshen up?”
Teng Yu sighed, facepalming. “Huo Tian, oh Huo Tian, your audacity surpasses that of city walls. You commandeered half of my bed, yet made no advances.”
Yin Xu stretched languidly, cheeks flushed from sleep. Patting Teng Yu's shoulder, he chirped, “Then I shall anticipate your return tonight, Third Prince.”
It had been Teng Yu's most enjoyable night since his rebirth, with a warm pillow and a lofty bed.
It seemed a man with potent Yang energy doubled as a toasty bed. Henceforth, he resolved to keep several men in the mansion to endure the winters comfortably.
Teng Yu shook his head in silence, rising to be assisted with washing. As for Yin Xu, if he chose to linger, none would force him away.
During breakfast, Yin Xu sat beside Teng Yu, indulging in porridge served by the servants. Though he adopted a masterly air, he did so without eliciting disdain.
Subsequently, Han Sen noted how the Seventh Young Master exuded authority, effortlessly commanding compliance as his true identity faded from memory.
Teng Yu leisurely consumed his porridge, often casting glances toward Yin Xu. Observing his fondness for certain pastries, Teng Yu had them packed for Yin Xu to take along after breakfast.
Yin Xu not only savored his meal but also departed with several bags of snacks, exuding satisfaction as he exited the Third Prince's tent.
Ignoring the scorching stares directed his way, Yin Xu located his mute attendant and fed him breakfast snacks.
Wu Sheng regarded his young master with a mixture of emotions. “I vow to amass wealth in the future, sparing you such tasks,” he declared tearfully.
Indifferent to explanations, Yin Xu patted Wu Sheng's head reassuringly. “Very well, I await your prosperity.”
Following Yin Xu's departure, Han Sen dispatched a servant to Teng Yu, providing a discreet update: “Your Highness, we've addressed the tasks you assigned last night.”
“Indeed, even if news spreads swiftly from Liu State to the capital, it would necessitate five days. During this interval, given Teng Yi's temperament, he would undoubtedly feel compelled to return to the capital and clarify matters in person.”
“Indeed, but this servant fails to comprehend. Why must Your Highness dismiss the First Prince?”
Teng Yu cast a glance at him. Han Sen, the eunuch appointed by Empress Liu to serve him from childhood, remained one of the few remaining attendants by his side.
He recounted the events of that fateful night in a straightforward manner, leaving Han Sen too overwhelmed to articulate his thoughts.
“Your Highness… Is this truly possible? Can the Empress… Can she truly be resurrected?”
Teng Yu furrowed his brow, shaking his head. “This court lacks such knowledge.”
Han Sen's eyes glistened with tears. “This is remarkable. The heavens have truly shown favor. The empress's benevolence will surely be rewarded by the divine.”
Teng Yu harbored less optimism, yet refrained from dampening the mood at such a juncture.
Upon Han Qing's entrance, he beheld the usually composed steward wiping his tears, a mixture of redness and a smile adorning his face. Without need for inquiry, Han Qing bowed and addressed, “Master, foster father.”
“Have you procured the information?” Teng Yu made no effort to conceal Han Sen's involvement, permitting Han Qing to relay his findings directly.
“Master, General Mo has taken refuge in Loong'an Temple for nearly seven years. The monks there are either his trusted confidants or wards he has nurtured over time, exhibiting unwavering loyalty.”
“This subordinate's investigations suggest that before her demise, the Empress dispatched a clandestine missive to General Mo, its contents undisclosed but presumably entailing care for Your Highness posthumously.”
“Upon receiving the missive, General Mo likely inferred the Empress's impending demise. After a brief period of disorientation, he purportedly suffered a severe injury during a bandit ambush, with news of his condition circulating three days later.”
Due to the extended journey and the season, the corpse remained unburied for some time before being cremated. Only the ashes and General Mo's armor were returned to the capital. Allegedly, numerous witnesses attested to General Mo's grievous injuries at the time.
“The fire preceding the Empress's funeral was ignited by an ally of General Mo's, who swapped her corpse. This individual, once the Empress's most trusted aide, possessed knowledge of her true cause of death. Relenting to General Mo's ardor, he acceded to aiding him.”
“General Mo had acquired a secretive tome from the Evil Sect long before, rumored to possess the power of resurrection. Initially disregarded, its significance heightened upon receiving the Empress's missive, prompting his concealment within Loong'an Temple.”
“The monks of Loong'an Temple were all slain by General Mo, replaced under the cover of night by his own cohorts. In pursuit of sacrifices for the Empress… Loong'an Temple had amassed goodwill over the years, often sheltering refugees during calamities.”
General Mo harbored the refugees within the temple, reputed for providing them with the finest care and promising their safe return once the disasters subsided. Consequently, his reputation flourished, although some individuals perished or vanished under ambiguous circumstances.
“Are there sufficient refugees? Calamities, both natural and man-made, are sporadic occurrences.”
“Indeed, besides natural and man-made disasters, there are destitute locals, wanderers, and pilgrims from distant lands. Over the years, nearly a thousand have perished.”
Upon hearing this, Teng Yu's expression darkened. “Did the local authorities overlook this entirely? Has there been no investigation into the whereabouts of those individuals?”
“Some of the missing pilgrims did file reports, but firstly, they couldn't find any evidence, and secondly, they couldn't suspect Loong'an Temple, so the case remained unsolved and unattended. As for the beggars and refugees, the local authorities naturally paid them no mind.”
“What about the supposed auspicious omen? You claimed to have seen numerous witnesses.”
“This subordinate questioned many nearby villagers and gathered the following information. During the night, a crimson light erupted suddenly from the vicinity of Loong'an Temple, initially faint before intensifying into a vivid arc. It was particularly conspicuous at night and persisted for about half the time it takes to burn an incense stick, hence witnessed by many.”
“Since the light emanated from the direction of Loong'an Temple, some speculated it to be a divine manifestation or an omen of an auspicious event. The subsequent rumors of dragon roars were merely unfounded hearsay. This subordinate believes the red light is intricately linked to the temple's basement formation.”
Teng Yu lapsed into a prolonged silence, his emotions roiling within him.
Observing his master's demeanor, Han Qing inquired softly, “Master, we have identified someone fitting the criteria. Shall we proceed with his ascent?”
Teng Yu lifted his gaze, posing a few brief inquiries to Han Qing. Eventually, he acquiesced, “Escort him there. Inquire if he harbors any unfulfilled desires and ensure his well-being henceforth.”
“Understood. This subordinate learned that his family was impoverished, and his parents intended to sell him into servitude. Upon learning of your willingness to pay a hundred silver coins for his freedom, I promptly drafted the agreement. He resigned himself to fate, requesting only for his sister's protection, her upbringing in safety, and a suitable marriage.”
“Very well, proceed.”
“Yes, this subordinate took the initiative to ransom his sister and relocate her to a manor on the outskirts of the capital for nurturing. It's a far better environment than their previous abode.”
Teng Yu, naturally, had no objections to such trifling matters. He absently rubbed the cold teacup in his hand, the frigid sensation evoking memories of Yin Xu.
Yin Xu's body seemed perpetually cold. Were it not for his rhythmic breathing and heartbeat, Teng Yu might have mistaken him for a lifeless corpse.
Recalling how Yue Yang had nestled into his embrace and clung to him unrelentingly, Teng Yu's countenance twitched. He regretted not shoving Yue Yang off the bed; the notion of a Third Prince like himself being utilized as a mere source of warmth was utterly galling.
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