Chapter Forty-Eight: Brothers Turn Against Each Other, Zhao Yu Spits Blood, Seriously Injured, and Falls into a Coma

Zhao Yu left the Xu family, and outside Guan Yan was waiting at the door in Doctor Chen's carriage.

Zhao Yu boarded the carriage with a cold and stern expression, his demeanor more subdued than ever before.

Guan Yan cautiously asked, "Master, shall we go back to Wenju or the Duke's Mansion?"

Inside the carriage, Zhao Yu's anger had not subsided. He closed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Return to the Duke's Mansion."

As soon as they entered the side gate of the Duke's mansion, a servant came to report that Young Master Xiao had arrived and was currently waiting in Songchi Courtyard.

Zhao Yu hummed in agreement, gazing at the tree-lined path ahead, his thoughts unreadable. In just a few days, all the camellias had fallen, and withered flowers and leaves could be vaguely seen in the grass.

Inside Songchi Courtyard, Xiao Qingyan had been waiting for a long time.

He placed his hands behind his back, his expression indifferent as he watched Zhao Yu approach.

Since leaving the Xu family, Xiao Qingyan could basically figure out Xu Chumian's abnormality, but he wanted to know the reason.

One must not deceive one's brother's wife.

What makes Zhao Yu so special?

Zhao Yu stopped walking.

Two men of similar stature stood facing each other, the air thick with tension.

The atmosphere was tense, as if a storm was brewing and the mountains were about to crumble.

Xiao Qingyan glared angrily, while Zhao Yu, looking cold and weary, walked past him.

Xiao Qingyan spoke first: "Zhao Yu, aren't you going to give me an explanation?"

Zhao Yu stopped in his tracks, then suddenly chuckled, his dark eyes turning to look at Xiao Qingyan.

Since his rebirth, Zhao Yu has been plotting for Xiao Qingyan, hoping to change Xiao Qingyan's fate of dying young. He cannot stop the Prince of Ding from rebelling, but he wants to save Xiao Qingyan's life.

But while he was busy planning, Xiao Qingyan got together with Chu Mian.

Irony and rage filled Zhao Yu's mind.

Xiao Qingyan is innocent.

What about Zhao Yu?

It is said in the capital that Zhao Yu is exceptionally talented and should be called a gentleman and saint. He may be very capable, but he has never been a noble person. Whether in his past life or this life, from the moment Xu Chumian appeared in front of him, Zhao Yu had other thoughts in his heart.

It was desire, the love between men and women, the only and few concerns that Zhao Yu, as an ordinary mortal, had.

In her past life, Chu Mian was his wife, and in this life, she is the same.

Xu Chumian belongs to him.

Xu Chumian's husband can only be him.

Anyone who wants to take First Sleep can only do so by stepping over his corpse.

The same applies to Xiao Qingyan.

Zhao Yu's eyes were bloodshot. "As you can see, what other explanation do you want?"

Xiao Qingyan was enraged by Zhao Yu's nonchalant attitude, his face filled with anger, as if he had never truly known Zhao Yu.

They had known each other for a long time; they were confidants, good friends, and sworn brothers.

When Xiao Qingyan was young, he almost fell into the jaws of a wild beast in the hunting grounds. It was Zhao Yu who pulled him back from the brink of death. The two supported each other, and Xiao Qingyan also saved Zhao Yu's life.

Prince Ding had been away from the capital for many years. When Xiao Qingyan was ostracized by a group of princes and nobles, it was Zhao Yu who stood up for him.

Zhao Yu had been like an ascetic since childhood, and few people or things could stir up any emotion in his eyes. If it were anything else, Xiao Qingyan would give way.

But Xu Chumian couldn't do it.

A friendship built over many years collapsed overnight.

"Zhao Yu! You're insane!"

Xiao Qingyan drew his sword. "What difference is there between your despicable behavior and that of a third party in a relationship?"

Zhao Yu's lips curled into a cold smile, his face devoid of color. He spoke cruelly, "Yes, I've gone mad."

"But Qingyan, you are the one who came later."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Qingyan made his move. The servants in the courtyard wanted to stop him but dared not intervene rashly, and they were all as anxious as ants on a hot pan.

Both of them soon sustained injuries.

Xiao Qingyan stared intently at Zhao Yu: "Zhao Yu, explain yourself clearly."

Zhao Yu's expression was extremely cold, and his deep, cold gaze held complex emotions. Xiao Qingyan sneered and stepped forward with his sword.

The two figures continued their fierce fight, striking with great force. Zhao Yu had already sustained injuries from their sparring a few days prior, and with the incident at Red Leaf Valley and his current wounds, he was on the verge of collapse.

He seemed oblivious to the pain; his clothes were soaked and dried repeatedly, stained with blood, and his face was deathly pale.

Xiao Qingyan wasn't much better off. He wiped the blood from the corner of his lips. "Zhao Yu, I won't give you that chance."

Zhao Yu's face was sarcastic. He walked towards Xiao Qingyan and said in a very low voice, "Xiao Qingyan, don't you know about the spy matter? Your father has never thought of stopping. Even if you stay in the capital, what difference will it make? You are the son of the Prince of Ding. If he rebels, you can escape, but will the Xu Chumian sisters be safe and sound?"

Xiao Qingyan paused, his expression turning wary.

The Zhao family were royalists, while Prince Ding intended to rebel. With the border being in turmoil in recent years, Zhao Yu brought those matters to the forefront for the first time, breaking the surface of peace.

Xiao Qingyan quickly replied, "And what about you? What right do you have to say these things?"

Zhao Yu's Adam's apple bobbed as he suppressed the rising blood urge within him.

"If you can't protect her, then don't provoke her."

Xiao Qingyan's anger intensified, his eyes blazing with fury. "Zhao Yu, no one can predict the future. You have no right to make decisions for us. Zhao Yu, things won't always go as you wish."

Zhao Yu stared at him, his face cold and stern, his aura intimidating. The image of Xu Chumian's tragic death flashed through his mind, and a sharp pain shot through his temples.

Zhao Yu did not speak again.

Xiao Qingyan sheathed his sword. "This is the last time I'll come to the Zhao family. If you disturb Chu Mian again, don't blame me for disregarding our past relationship!"

After saying that, Xiao Qingyan left.

Zhao Yu stood there, his face terribly gloomy.

The servants in Songchi Courtyard were very careful, afraid of displeasing Zhao Yu.

Guan Yan went to see Doctor Chen in advance.

The next instant, blood spilled from Zhao Yu's mouth. He supported himself with one hand while holding his sword, and with a sway, he fell to the ground.

"Your Highness!"

"master!"

...

The atmosphere at Songchi Courtyard was tense at night. Lady Zhang and Duke Zhao, having heard rumors, rushed over.

When Madam Zhang saw Zhao Yu lying on the bed with a deathly pale face, tears immediately streamed down her face.

Duke Zhao asked with a grim face, "Guanyan, what exactly happened to the Crown Prince?"

Guan Yan remained calm and kept Zhao Yu's instructions firmly in mind.

"The young master went to catch spies a few days ago and was injured, and the injury has just flared up again."

Doctor Chen took Zhao Yu's pulse and found that his heart and lungs were damaged. He had been caught in the heavy rain today and hadn't changed his clothes. He had also just suffered a heart attack from anger. Zhao Yu only vomited a few mouthfuls of blood, which meant that he was already feeling better.

Doctor Chen stroked his beard: "Your Excellency, there is no need to worry. The young master will wake up soon."

Duke Zhao: "This matter should be kept from the old lady for now."

"yes."

Lady Zhang wanted to stay, but Duke Zhao did not stop her; he left with his men first.

On the way back, Duke Zhao's expression was unpredictable, sometimes calm, sometimes angry.

"Investigate what Xiao Qingyan actually did."

"yes."