Chapter 46 - What's the Matter with You?
Rising from the bath, Teng Yu's body expelled water, dampening the surroundings. Han Sen promptly assisted in drying him and dressing him, prompting Yin Xu to avert his gaze from Teng Yu's broad back.
At sixteen, Teng Yu wasn't youthful anymore, having lived a princely life from childhood. Yin Xu had anticipated a slender, pale physique, but was surprised by Teng Yu's imposing figure revealed without clothing.
Were the palace denizens to witness it, doubt would surely arise.
Han Sen retrieved the medicine, poised to tend to Teng Yu's wounds once more, when Yin Xu interjected, “Hold on.” He tossed another bottle over. “Use this instead.”
With his master's approval, Han Sen cautiously prepared the medicine, scrutinizing it with a sniff and a taste before applying it to Teng Yu's wound.
“Ah…” Teng Yu grimaced as the powder touched his wound, the pain causing his face to pale.
“Your Highness…” Han Sen discarded the bottle hastily, fixating on the wound anxiously, fearing adverse reactions.
“It's nothing.” Teng Yu shook his head, surprised by the potent irritation of the medicinal powder. The wound felt ablaze with agony, almost unbearable. Were it not for his trust in Huo Tian, he might have suspected foul play with the medicine.
“Can't endure a bit of pain?” Yin Xu taunted, smirking. “Oh, I forgot about the precious Third Prince's tolerance for discomfort. Had I known earlier, I wouldn't have been so lenient… But fear not, the discomfort will subside soon.”
Teng Yu shot him a glance, convinced he had been deceived. Nevertheless, as a man, he resolved to endure.
Indeed, after enduring the first fifteen minutes, the burning sensation ebbed, replaced by an itchiness akin to countless ants crawling over his skin, scarcely preferable to the prior pain.
“This…” Han Sen pointed at the wound in astonishment, noting the rapid formation of a scab. Even the finest Golden Sore Medicine in the palace couldn't achieve such efficacy.
Though startled, Teng Yu found whatever bizarre occurrence involving this youth acceptable, yet… He inquired suddenly, “Can you make the scars vanish?”
Yin Xu regarded him with disdain, scoffing, “A grown man concerned about scars like that?”
Initially, the medicine's primary effect was speed; other considerations were neglected. Ointment for scar removal and pain relief was an afterthought.
However, due to oversight, he hadn't brought it along. Retrieving it seemed bothersome now.
“That's reassuring.” Teng Yu sighed, deliberately allowing his arm to be injured to bring back this wound. If it left no scar, would his efforts be in vain?
It was common knowledge that the pampered Third Prince seldom bore marks of injury. The additional scars upon his return underscored his ordeal.
“I intend to depart soon. If you have belongings to gather, do so swiftly.”
“There's nothing worth packing. People and funds suffice.” Yin Xu dismissed the villa's contents, deeming them unworthy of relocation to the capital.
Exiting the guest quarters, he summoned both the butler and Wu Sheng, conveying his decision and instructing them to prepare for departure.
Despite being aware that the estate wasn't his own, Yin Xu specifically directed the butler, “This time, we're heading to the capital. We'll liquidate all valuable assets in the clan upon our return. Don't let anyone take advantage of you.”
The Old Housekeeper felt a mix of contentment and sorrow. They had resided here for over a decade.
Their journey to the capital would undoubtedly present numerous challenges that money alone couldn't resolve.
“Young Master, why not let me stay behind to tend to the estate? If you decide the capital isn't for you, you'll have a place to return to.” The butler's words were gentle, yet Yin Xu discerned his underlying concerns.
The butler feared his ability to adapt in the capital and sought to ensure a retreat path.
“No need. Even if I depart the capital in the future, I won't return here.” This place held the haunting memories of its previous owner. With no familial ties or friendships, what purpose would there be in returning?
Acknowledging this, the butler nodded. “Then, I'll see to the arrangements. Little Wu, lend a hand.”
As they departed, Yin Xu scaled the courtyard walls, swiftly traversing the darkness, prepared to conclude the conflict.
In the county magistrate's rear courtyard, a sudden scream pierced the air, emanating from Young Master Chen's chamber, resembling a pig being slaughtered. Upon entering, servants found the young master sprawled on the floor, convulsing, blood trickling from his lips, with no assailant in sight.
“What's happening?” County Magistrate Chen and his spouse, having rushed over, were stunned by their son's dire state.
The servants, ignorant of the cause, trembled in fear, unable to respond. Enraged, County Magistrate Chen demanded, “Fetch a physician at once! Summon every soul from the city!”
The servants promptly complied, rushing to procure medical aid.
The county magistrate's residence remained illuminated throughout the night. Physicians arrived consecutively, toiling tirelessly to preserve Young Master Chen's life.
In truth, Yin Xu had no intention of taking a life, but he owed a debt to the previous owner that needed repayment. However, he overestimated his mortal frame and nearly caused Chen Da Xie to miss out on King Yan.
“Investigate! Find out who dared to breach our yamen and inflict harm!” County Magistrate Chen erupted, mobilizing all available resources in An County, yet yielding no leads.
Amidst the turmoil in An County, Yin Xu had already returned to the Huo Family Villa. Upon entering the guest quarters, before reaching his own chamber, he swiftly disrobed and collapsed onto the bed.
A sudden slap struck his face, prompting Yin Xu to think Teng Yu failed to recognize him, as he exclaimed, “It's me.”
Yet, instead of ceasing, the assailant's assault intensified.
“Teng Yu, what's gotten into you?” Yin Xu's fury peaked, abandoning concealment as he launched a retaliatory palm strike.
Enveloped in a blanket, he leaped off the bed. Behind him, the once-sturdy bed lay fractured down the middle, a testament to the force of Yin Xu's recent strike.
In the tranquil room, they exchanged glances. From outside, the servants' anxious voices seeped through.
“It's alright. You may all depart now,” Teng Yu dismissed them before fixing his gaze on Yin Xu, a sudden chuckle escaping him. “Seventh Young Master truly keeps his abilities well concealed.”
“Likewise.”
“I'm intrigued. I've thoroughly examined your meridians, yet none are open, yet your internal strength is formidable.”
“Just a peculiar cultivation method,” Yin Xu retorted, snatching the blanket from Teng Yu's grasp. Who gave him the right to launch a sneak attack?
Teng Yu nodded, though his curiosity about why Yin Xu appeared in the Loong'an Temple basement that night lingered.
A chill ran through Teng Yu, dissuading him from further inquiry. He glanced at the ruined bed and remarked, “Seems I'll be sharing Seventh Young Master's bed tonight.”
Yin Xu also noticed the bed's destruction. As he turned to depart, he quipped, “Don't forget to compensate me with silver!”
Their mutual understanding had deepened; some things remained concealed, easily discerned by others over time. Teng Yu harbored no regrets for his impulsive actions. Confirming Huo Tian wasn't truly inept lightened his mood considerably.
On the third morning, two horse-drawn carriages departed from the Huo Family Manor, disappearing into the distance under the morning sun.
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