Chapter 42 - I Guess I'm a Little More Handsome
Following dinner, Teng Yu requested Yin Xu to provide him with a tour. He aimed to grasp a deeper understanding of this young man and perhaps glean insights from his upbringing.
However, upon exploration, he found himself disappointed. The estate, situated on the outskirts of An County, appeared to be an ordinary manor. Sparse residents populated the vicinity, predominantly fields belonging to the Huo Family Villa.
En route, they encountered several tenants, who, upon spotting Yin Xu, greeted him courteously.
Previously, Huo Tian harbored no ill intentions, but he lacked social grace. He felt deeply inferior among the Huo Family's elite yet held a sense of superiority over common folk, opting not to engage with them.
Upon Yin Xu's inhabitation of Huo Tian's body, he promptly dismissed the cook on the first day. His domineering demeanor took root within him, rendering him unable to feign kindness.
Standing amidst the rural path, he seemed out of place. It dawned upon some that the young master residing at Huo Family Manor likely held significant background.
Guiding Teng Yu to a frequented mountain slope, Yin Xu casually seated himself upon a clean rock. Gesturing to the western mountain, he recounted a past incident involving catching a rabbit during a visit by the First Prince. He speculated on Teng Yu's newfound favor with the housekeeper, contrasting it to the First Prince's visit.
Recollecting the scene, Teng Yu felt an inexplicable urge to chuckle.
Yin Xu turned toward him, nodding earnestly. “Indeed, she fares much better in comparison to the First Prince. She's only marginally inferior to me.”
“Haha… You certainly possess confidence!” Teng Yu chuckled, prompting Yin Xu to reflexively grasp his wrist.
Their eyes met, and an awkward tension enveloped them.
Yin Xu's brow furrowed, hinting at suppressed fury. In the past, anyone daring to touch his head would face dire consequences, but now, restrained by his current strength, he reluctantly released Teng Yu's hand.
Contemplating his diminished power compared to Teng Yu's, Yin Xu bitterly acknowledged his limitations.
Frustrated by his predicament, he flung Teng Yu's hand away with visible ire.
Sensing Yin Xu's aversion to physical contact, Teng Yu withdrew his hands into his sleeves, enduring the slight bruise to his self-esteem. Yet, in the presence of this young man, his tolerance surpassed previous levels.
Concealing his hand within his sleeve, Teng Yu diverted the conversation, proposing, “Would you like to learn the Imperial Secret Art?”
Yin Xu turned to him, adopting an indifferent tone. “What's the allure? What secrets could a mortal realm hold?”
The prince felt a pang of wounded pride, yet persisted, “As allies, wouldn't you desire to understand me better?”
Observing him closely, Yin Xu acknowledged his vast experience and reluctantly assented. “Speak, I'll listen, but be prepared for any consequences.”
“The outcome is that you'll likely be bound to my ship for the rest of your days.”
Yin Xu pondered: Well then, it's preferable if he stays by my side indefinitely, let him have his pick of whatever he desires!
Teng Yu observed the shifting of Yin Xu's gaze and noted a faint excitement in his expression, tinged with an indescribable desire. Regardless of perspective, he didn't appear to embody righteousness.
Nevertheless, even a man of virtue wouldn't engage in such underhanded behavior. Seventh Young Master Huo had a complex background; labeling him as virtuous would pose challenges.
He cast his eyes downward and murmured softly, “My mother hailed from the Liu Family, which once ranked second only to the Huo Family, a lineage of generals.”
Until eighteen years ago, when my grandfather and his kin were summoned to the capital by the late emperor, who, under the guise of reward, bestowed upon them the hussar general's estate in the capital. Subsequently, my grandmother and uncle were compelled to remain in the capital, parted from my grandfather.
My maternal grandfather had only one wife, no concubines, and sired three sons and a daughter. This daughter was my mother, and she was the youngest in the Liu Family.
Upon their arrival in the capital, they became targets of flattery and attentions from various princely factions. All sought alliances with the Liu Family, but due to the ancestral teachings, the imperial clan's offspring were forbidden from marrying into the Huo Family.
My three uncles were raised in military encampments. Though versed in both military and civilian matters, they lacked the cunning of the capital's influential families, let alone the princes.
Bereft of their father's guidance, my uncles swiftly befriended the capital's aristocratic youths. They spent their days engaging in frivolous pursuits, resembling mere dandies.
Upon learning of this, my grandfather was greatly troubled. Eventually, he sought permission from the late emperor for his sons to enlist in the army.
“The late emperor readily consented. Once my three uncles departed, only my grandmother and mother remained in the capital…”
Yin Xu abandoned his earlier nonchalant demeanor, his countenance growing somber. He understood that what followed held the pivotal moment in altering the fate of the Liu Family.
……
Teng Yu inquired, “Would you like to listen to a story?”
Yin Xu responded, “At your age, still indulging in stories? Isn't it a bit juvenile?”
Teng Yu countered, “Don't you wish to hear your husband's tale?”
Yin Xu relented, stating, “Well, I suppose I'll endure it then.”
“Long ago, there was a prince. He possessed striking looks, an unbridled spirit, remarkable wit, and exceptional talent…”
Yin Xu interjected, “Please, get to the point.”
Teng Yu pleaded, “Oh, my dear, grant me your patience.”
New novel 𝓬hapters are published on fre ew𝒆bnovel.com