44 Chapter 44

◎Does Your Highness...like kneeling service?◎

The snow fell even heavier, and the biting cold of the snow howled in through the doors that were not fully closed, making every breath painful.

Blood flowed down the boy's porcelain-white neck. If she hadn't reacted quickly, the blade would have already pierced his throat.

...So you're leaving no room for negotiation?

Xie Yutang grabbed Su Lu's chin and looked at his face. He looked incredibly obedient, but he was actually more shrewd than anyone else. He even dared to hold her hand and force her to stab him in the back.

She was shocked, angry, and a little scared. She knew what the consequences would be of holding a knife with her bare hands, but at that moment she only had one thought in her mind: she didn't want to see him die in front of her.

Humans aren't plants or trees; after spending this time together, no one knows better than Xie Yutang how he feels about himself.

She didn't want him to die, but he couldn't stay either.

Xie Yutang let go of her hand, feeling utterly exhausted in the deep silence.

"So far, you haven't done anything to wrong me."

The boy's eyelashes trembled slightly.

"But I don't want to gamble anymore."

She said "again".

She offered her whole heart and soul, only to be cruelly betrayed. How can we expect her to gamble with unbridled courage, as if she had never been hurt before?

Su Lu's lips curled into a self-deprecating smile. He opened his mouth but no sound came out. He stared blankly as Zhu Hongxiu, dressed in gold, resolutely walked away and disappeared into the snow.

He tried his best to persuade her to stay, but could only watch helplessly as the hem of her clothes slipped from his palm, leaving only an empty room.

*

The commotion at Guyue Tower that day was considerable.

Princess Ning'an, the Third Prince, Princess Helou, and the young Prince Su who recently made a name for himself at the banquet between the two countries—any one of these four could easily cause a stir in the court; they are the most outstanding young people in both countries.

Everyone had assumed that this trip to the lantern market would be a lively and enjoyable one for all, but to their surprise, none of the four of them returned together after leaving the palace.

What's most shocking is that Su Lu knelt in Gu Yue Tower all night with his injuries, while Xie Yutang acted as if Su Lu had never existed in the mansion after that, ignoring and discarding the person he had nurtured.

Rumors spread like wildfire, all saying that Princess Helou had been lusting after him and wanted to take advantage of the lantern festival to force him into marriage. The young master refused and escaped her clutches despite his injuries, but he was still disliked by Xie Yutang and lost her favor.

The rumor spread with great detail, even reaching the ears of Emperor Chongde. Princess Helou was powerless to take the person away, so he could only pretend to be oblivious. Fortunately, Xie Yutang seemed to have truly lost interest in Su Lu and didn't cause any trouble in front of him. Emperor Chongde was too lazy to get involved anymore. Just then, the Military Training Division submitted a memorial requesting Su Lu to be officially appointed as the head of the division, which he readily approved.

The atmosphere at Princess Ning'an's residence has been very tense these past few days. Although Xie Yutang appears to be no different from usual, he is still quite unsettling, and even the servants in the residence have become much quieter.

When Huaijin arrived with the message from the secret guards, she saw Woyu shrug and walk out of the study. She glanced at the tea and snacks in Woyu's hand and asked, "Miss, are you still not going to eat?"

Woyu sighed, "They said they have no appetite."

Previously, Su Lu would always make a plate of pine nut and lily pastries at this time. I don't know how the young master developed his skills. Xie Yutang didn't say anything, but he always ate a few more pieces, which shows that he liked them very much.

No one dares to make pine nut and lily cakes anymore. Xie Yutang always seems uninterested in the various tea snacks that the kitchen sends in, taking them out the same way they were brought in.

"Why would Prince Su keep this from Miss when he's perfectly fine?"

Upon hearing Su Lu's identity in Bei Rong that day, both of them were so shocked that they couldn't speak. Needless to say, he treated Xie Yutang with the utmost respect, and he never showed any disrespect to them, his servants. He also did his job as the head of the guards perfectly. Could it be that all of this was... a scheme?

"I don't think so. I think the young master truly loves Miss. What Marquis Minyi or Prince Muqing, none of them are as happy as Miss in our manor."

"If I were the young master, I would immediately cripple my martial arts, kneel before the young lady's door and beg her to take me in. If she doesn't open the door, I'll kneel there forever. As soon as she does open the door, I'll rush up, hug her legs, and cry my eyes out. Then I'll use my good looks to seduce her and pitifully beg to be her bed warmer..."

Huaijin was practically deaf to his words. "You're talking about yourself, aren't you?"

Woyu raised her head proudly: "I would never betray Miss, but as long as it makes Miss happy, let alone warming her bed, I—"

"Alright, instead of wasting time on nonsense, you should think more about how to make tea and snacks." Huaijin tapped her forehead. "Just because Prince Su isn't here, does that mean we can't serve Miss?"

Xie Yutang was handling official business in his study when Huaijin knocked on the door and entered, presenting him with a secret letter he had just received from the secret guards.

To be honest, she doesn't like giving gifts like this. The last time it upset the young lady and she's still upset now. She doesn't know what it's about this time.

The secret letter was about Cao Yong, the Minister of Revenue.

Xie Yutang learned from Cui Hu in Yingkou that the military rations had been tampered with during the Daomaguan Incident, and that Cao Yong was involved. After returning, she ordered her secret guards to investigate.

Cao Yong was transferred to the Ministry of Revenue in the eighth year of the Taihe era, and was promoted to Minister of Revenue two years later.

In the eleventh year of the Taihe reign, the Daomaguan Incident occurred. Just five months later, Cao Yong was stripped of his official position and exiled to Lingnan for corruption. When he reached Litang, a sudden earthquake caused a landslide, and Cao Yong and his party perished.

Cao Yong's death was too suspicious. As the Minister of Revenue, even if he was exiled, he would be different from an ordinary exiled criminal. Before being sent to exile, all the government offices along the route would receive official letters, and there would be procedures and regulations for when to set off, how to transfer, and who to hand over the goods. However, the village where Cao Yong and his party stayed in Litang was not included in the official documents. A landslide buried the entire village underground, and even the bodies could not be found.

No one would believe that this series of coincidences was not deliberately arranged by anyone.

Was Cao Yong really dead?

If he were still alive, Cao Yong could be a crucial clue, helping her uncover the real culprit behind the resale of military rations, the betrayal of General Xie, and the unjust deaths of 30,000 soldiers at Daoma Pass.

With too few clues and a significant age gap, there was too much to sort out. Seeing Xie Yutang's brows furrow again after reading the letter, Huaijin knew that the young lady would probably have to sit in the study all day again. He sighed, warmed the charcoal fire in the room, closed the door, and left.

Xie Yutang stayed in the study for several days in a row. He ate and slept normally, but he had no appetite for the soups and desserts that were sent to him in addition to the meals. He never put down his pen. As soon as he finished reviewing the documents and secret letters on the table and sent them out, a new stack would be sent to him.

Huaijin and Woyu could only endure it together.

“Although Miss was busy before, at least she was lively and would joke and tease us. When she was in the mood, she would even spar with Prince Su in the backyard. Unlike now…”

Woyu yawned. She had spent the whole night grinding ink in Xie Yutang's study, and her wrists were sore. "Yesterday, the Ministry of Rites submitted a detailed plan for trade with the Northern Rong. Miss reviewed it all night and just fell asleep. I'm going back to sleep too. Keep an eye on the time and prepare hot water for Miss when she wakes up."

Huai Jin, who was on her shift, told her to go and rest. After guarding her for several hours, she estimated that Xie Yutang would wake up soon, so she sent someone to the kitchen to instruct them to prepare a meal. She then went to get a copper basin and a brocade handkerchief to help Xie Yutang with her morning washing and grooming.

To his surprise, when he arrived at the door, he bumped into a young man carrying a pot of hot water. Huai Jin paused for a moment and recognized him as Zheng Qiushi, the new head of the guards who had succeeded Su Lu.

Those who could serve in the princess's residence all came from good families. This Chief Guard Zheng came from a prominent family in Jiangnan. His father had been a merchant for generations and was extremely wealthy. His mother was a young lady from a scholarly family. He himself was also handsome.

Huai Jin looked from the man's face, which was clearly carefully washed, to the copper basin in his hand, and then to the neatly draped towel around the edge of the basin. She asked uncertainly, "What are you going to do?"

Zheng Qiushi's ears turned slightly red, but he still said frankly, "I heard that this is how Prince Su served Your Highness before. I... although I am not as experienced as Prince Su, I will definitely do my best."

He paused, somewhat uncertainly: "Does Her Highness... prefer kneeling service?"

Huaijin almost choked on his own.

After much persuasion, they finally managed to get the person to leave: "Just focus on protecting His Highness's safety. The head of the guards doesn't have so many unnecessary responsibilities."

Zheng Qiushi stared at the copper basin and handkerchief that Huaijin had snatched from his hand, still unwilling to leave: "...It's fine to have it too."

Huai Jin felt a headache coming on. Xie Yutang was already writing something when she entered the room, without even looking up: "Don't let just anyone into the inner courtyard in the future."

Huai Jin was taken aback, realizing that the commotion outside had been heard by her mistress. She quickly lowered her head, admitted her mistake, and promised never to do it again.

Xie Yutang stayed up late almost every day and had little appetite for breakfast, eating very little. Huaijin thought she should still ask the kitchen to prepare some nourishing soup and persuade her young lady to drink some. She walked all the way to the kitchen door, but stopped abruptly when she saw who was waiting outside.

"...Young Master Su?"

Half an hour later.

Xie Yutang stopped writing and looked up: "He said he had something to talk to me about?"

"yes."

Huai Jin paused, "The young master said... he wants to borrow the Spirit Control Guide from you."

Xie Yutang's eyes narrowed.

Spirit Control Guide.

This was a unique poison used by the Xie family to control their subordinates. Although she had never mentioned it to Su Lu, someone from the manor would come every month to collect the antidote and deliver it to the secret guards scattered in various places.

Su Lu has been in the manor for several months, and she has not taken any special precautions against him. It seems that... he has indeed been secretly investigating all along.

Xie Yutang tapped his fingertips on the table a few times and said in a deep voice, "Let him in."

The door opened with a click, and Xie Yutang looked up, his breath catching in his throat.

Su Lu was dressed in the robes of the head of the Martial Arts Division, with a long black collar embroidered with gold thread patterns, a dark cloak draped over his shoulders, a jade crown tied high, and long eyebrows reaching his temples. It was as if a long sword that had been concealing its aura had finally been drawn, and the oppressive aura of a superior descended heavily.

In a daze, Xie Yutang seemed to see the young Prince Muqing, who was known as the God of Slaughter, from his previous life.

Having grown accustomed to his submissive and obedient demeanor in front of her, she almost forgot that this person was a hundred times more dangerous than Lin Tan.

Xie Yutang's heart tightened, but he smiled and said, "Young Master Su... or rather, Young Marquis, what brings you here?"

Her subtle tone caused Su Lu's movement of lifting his robe to pause for a moment. He knelt down in front of the low table, sitting opposite Xie Yutang.

"The personnel of the Imperial Guard are complicated, and the position of Director of the Martial Arts Division is not easy. As a newcomer, I will inevitably have to use some means to gain a foothold."

He slowly raised his eyes and quietly met Xie Yutang's gaze: "I came here today to ask the master..." Xie Yutang raised an eyebrow, and the young man paused, then readily changed his words, "I want to ask Your Highness for some Spirit Control Guides."

He was quite straightforward.

What could be more suitable for controlling subordinates and manipulating their hearts than Spirit Control?

Why should I help you?

Su Lu lowered his eyes. The low table was empty. He knew that Xie Yutang often handled affairs here. Just now, this low table must have been piled with files, but she had put everything away and not left a single piece of paper.

Xie Yutang was also observing the young man in front of him. His face was calm, like a still pond, with only a slightly bitter curve appearing when he lowered his eyes, so fast that people doubted it was an illusion.

“I am grateful for Your Highness’s kindness and will repay it. Furthermore…” He paused slightly, then stopped, “Those who take the Spirit Control Elixir need to take the antidote once a month, and only Your Highness has the antidote.”

In this way, even if Xie Yutang couldn't know exactly who had sided with him and who had taken the drug, he could at least get a general idea.

Besides, the antidote is in her hands; whether to give it to her, how much to give, and when to give it are all up to her.

Xie Yutang looked at the young man in front of her, who was being scrutinized by her. She knew that there was no need for any spirit-controlling technique. With his abilities, it would not be difficult for him to bring the Imperial Guards under his command.

He's... handing himself a handle, revealing his weakness, and trying to curry favor with her in this roundabout way again?

Regardless of his intentions—whether it was a gesture of goodwill or ulterior motives—Xie Yutang had no interest in guessing. She wouldn't be swayed by such ambiguous probing; she only cared about interests. If something was beneficial to her, then she was open to discussion.

Xie Yutang called Huaijin in, whispered a few instructions, and soon Huaijin brought over a brocade box.

Xie Yutang pushed the brocade box over: "Your Highness, take a look, is this enough?"

Inside the brocade box were several black pills.

The Spirit Guide is divided into poison and antidote; the poison is black, and the antidote is red.

In his previous life, Su Lu Tu entered the palace and carefully examined the Empress's belongings, gaining some understanding of the Spirit Control Manual.

Xie Yutang only gave him the poison, not the antidote, which was a clear indication that since he had voluntarily handed over his weakness, she would take full control of him.

Su Lu's lips finally curved into a slight smile: "That's enough."

He reached out to take it, but Xie Yutang grabbed the box from the other end, her expression serious.

"I wonder how much the young master knows about this poison. Let me say a few more words."

"After taking the poison pill, the person will experience severe internal pain and high fever that does not subside within a day. It is imperative to keep the person in bed and rest. Afterward, the person must take the antidote once a month, otherwise the poison will take effect. The pain of the poisoning is so excruciating that it is unbearable for any human being."

Xie Yutang paused, then said, word by word, "No matter who the young master intends to use it for, please be very careful."

Su Lu knew, of course.

He not only knew about it, but he also witnessed firsthand what it looked like when someone was poisoned.

Watching that person tear off pieces of his own flesh, almost turning him into a skeleton, for three days and three nights before finally taking his last breath.

The early winter morning sunlight filtered through the dappled branches, casting dappled shadows on his face. Xie Yutang felt as if the young man before him overlapped with the young Prince Muqing from his previous life for a moment.

The young man carefully accepted the brocade box: "Thank you for informing me, Your Highness. I have remembered it."

Su Lu officially succeeded as the head of the Martial Arts Division, and it is said that he did a very good job. The initial few dissenting voices quickly fell silent.

In addition to outstanding soldiers selected from various regions, the Imperial Guard also included many scions of noble families. After all, the capital city, under the emperor's nose, was the easiest place to gain experience and seniority. Now that the end of the year was approaching, the scions of noble families all went home for the New Year, and the training of the Military Training Division was also suspended. Except for some soldiers who took turns guarding the city, most of them were given leave.

Those officials in the court who had good relationships with each other would visit each other more often, while some who wanted to curry favor set their sights on Su Lu—the heir of the Muqing Prince's Mansion, the newly appointed head of the Martial Arts Department, and the most dazzling new star who had risen unexpectedly in the court of Dayan.

However, this rising star somehow offended Princess Ning'an, and it is said that the two have completely fallen out. Prince Su packed his bags and moved out of the princess's residence overnight.

This put some ministers in a dilemma. If they didn't go, they feared missing a good opportunity to befriend the new elites; if they went, they feared offending Princess Ning'an.

But soon, people discovered they didn't need to worry about it.

Because Master Su is ill.

I'm resting at home and not seeing anyone.

"You didn't even light a charcoal fire? In this cold weather, what are you trying to do—"

The gatekeeper could stop others, but he couldn't stop Song Zhen. As soon as Song Zhen entered the room, he was so cold that he shivered. Seeing that the patient was not resting in bed but was sitting in a chair in a daze with only a thin shirt on, he became even more furious. He grabbed Su Lu's hand on the armrest, and the words he was about to say were stuck in his throat.

"Why is it so hot?"

Those hands looked as delicate and sculpted as ever, but the temperature was as hot as burning charcoal.

Su Lu withdrew his hand almost the instant the man touched him.

...

Song Zhenyi choked.

Seriously? We're two grown men, and you're pulling this stunt? It's like I'm the one taking advantage of you. What's the meaning of this? Xie Yutang can grab and touch you however he wants, but he can't even touch her?

Before he could finish his internal monologue, Su Lu's loosely draped shirt slipped down a bit as he pulled his hand away, revealing a bandage casually wrapped around his left collarbone.

...

Song Zhen was completely speechless.

"If Xie Yutang doesn't want you, do you not want to live anymore?"

He had a "can't you be a little more sensible?" look on his face, and opened his mouth to curse, but seeing the miserable state of the person in front of him, he couldn't bring himself to curse. He could only drag the person to the bed and say, "You should take care of your injuries and illness first, and I'll go call a doctor for you."

"No need." Su Lu didn't struggle and let him lift her up. "I'm not sick. I'll be fine after today."

Song Zhen thought to himself, "I don't believe you for a second. What kind of illness can be scheduled to heal automatically after a certain time?"

"I know you're not sick, it's your heart that's sick."

...

Xie Yutang is really something, not only did he kick the man out, but he also immediately appointed a new head guard.

Scumbag woman!

"Don't worry, that new head guard is no match for you. Xie Yutang didn't even take him with him when he went to offer incense at the villa this morning..."

The person carrying him on his shoulder paused, but their attention was on something unexpected.

"Offer incense? Isn't it the eighth day?"

The Meishan Villa on the outskirts of Beijing houses the memorial tablets of 107 members of the Xie family. Xie Yutang would go to worship every year on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. This was something Su Lu knew in his previous life. But today is only the seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, so why is it being held early?

"The trade supervisor has been chosen. The princess was supposed to finalize the trade agreement with the Northern Rong delegation tomorrow, but it's been changed to today. Oh, where are you going..."

Before Song Zhen could react, a white robe fluttered in front of him and disappeared through the doorway like a crane spreading its wings.

[Author's Note]

Song Zhen: What's the difference between this and a sudden breakup followed by a seamless transition?