Chapter 4 Maneuvering

Chapter Summary: Liu Shiyu, who has done all sorts of bad things.

Male concubine? What male concubine?

Upon hearing this, Feng Rong stared at Liu Shiyu in disbelief, becoming even more certain that Liu Shiyu had indeed been damaged by Xu Luchuan that day.

Xu Luchuan sat silently in the hall. He had imagined a thousand ways Liu Shiyu would deal with him, but he never expected her to be so despicable as to humiliate him in this way.

An awkward atmosphere spread, and Xu Luchuan clenched his fists, his anger evident in his eyes.

What should we do? This is a huge misunderstanding.

Liu Shiyu originally wanted to ask Xu Luchuan if he would be willing to pretend to be her lover, but unexpectedly, the word "male concubine" filled her mind. She didn't know why she would make a fool of herself whenever she was around Xu Luchuan.

That's how it was when I was young.

Liu Shiyu dressed up beautifully and went to watch her elder brother and the young masters of noble families play polo, only to be ridiculed by Xu Luchuan as the "Princess Longevity Peach," causing her to flee in tears.

When she went again, unwilling to give up, she was struck unconscious by a flying polo ball. And then, that was the end of it.

After eight years apart, Liu Shiyu felt that today, barring any unforeseen circumstances, would surely end in the same way.

She was about to explain and apologize when Xu Luchuan, suppressing his anger, spoke up: "Your Highness, isn't this going too far? Why are you humiliating me like this?"

“Young Master Xu, it’s a misunderstanding.” Upon hearing this, Liu Shiyu quickly looked up at Xu Luchuan. “That’s not what I meant. I actually wanted to ask you for a favor. To help me pretend to be my lover, not a gigolo. But we haven’t seen each other for many years, and it would be too presumptuous of me to make such an unreasonable request as soon as we meet. I apologize for my slip of the tongue and ask for your forgiveness, Young Master Xu.”

Liu Shiyu was sincere, but Xu Luchuan didn't believe a word she said.

Xu Luchuan was unusually wary and did not answer easily. After all, he had been sent to his hometown of Liyang back then because he had offended Liu Shiyu.

Sitting upright, Xu Luchuan began to speculate in his mind.

Pretending to be a lover? What is this woman plotting? Could it be that she wants to use this identity to force me to do something shameful, and then use me as a scapegoat so she can get away unscathed? Jinling is treacherous, and the Xu family has many male heirs. Xu Qinguo will surely continue to ignore me, just like he did back then. It seems I must get out of here as soon as possible.

Thinking of this, Xu Luchuan felt a chill run down his spine.

He looked up and was about to get up when he saw the princess's steward, who had led him in earlier, leading several servants, carrying charcoal braziers, hemp ropes, and butcher knives, slowly passing by the door.

The scene and the sheer scale of it all left Xu Luchuan stunned. He hadn't expected Liu Shiyu to have become so ruthless.

The hall was silent, and Liu Shiyu didn't notice the change in Xu Luchuan's expression. She turned to look at Feng Rong.

Feng Rong hadn't expected things to turn out so awkwardly. Seeing that the matter was hopeless, she shook her head at Liu Shiyu, indicating that she was giving up. Liu Shiyu nodded in response.

However, the friendly exchange between the master and servant was interpreted by Xu Luchuan as a signal to attack.

It seems that if he doesn't agree to this matter today, Liu Shiyu will try to eliminate him completely and eradicate any potential threats.

A wise man doesn't fight a losing battle. Xu Luchuan thought to himself that he hadn't yet had a chance to properly enjoy life, nor had he yet married a gentle and lovely wife. He couldn't afford to die at Liu Shiyu's hands like this. So he immediately said, "This humble subject is willing to help."

Xu Luchuan straightened up and bowed to Liu Shiyu, saying, "Consider this an apology for offending Your Highness today."

"???"

Xu Luchuan's sudden change in attitude left Liu Shiyu completely bewildered, and Feng Rong, standing beside him, was equally puzzled. But since Xu Luchuan had spoken, Liu Shiyu seized the opportunity to press further: "Young Master Xu, are you truly willing to help?"

"Now that I have spoken, I will not go back on my word." Xu Luchuan feigned unwavering resolve. "I will not ask what Your Highness requires me to do. Just give the order."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shiyu sighed at Xu Luchuan's righteousness and kindness, then picked up a brush from the desk and wrote down two or three surnames on the official documents, including Xu Luchuan.

After handing over the official document, she finally spoke, saying, "I will explain everything to you after I go to Guangling. I am very grateful for your generosity in helping me out. But there are some things that I would like you to keep to yourself."

Xu Luchuan got up and walked over without answering, only reaching out to take the official document. Unexpectedly, Liu Shiyu grabbed half of it and wouldn't let go.

Xu Luchuan looked up at Liu Shiyu, and Liu Shiyu also looked up and stared at him. The two of them inexplicably started competing with each other.

But as he continued to exert himself, a strange smile suddenly appeared on Xu Luchuan's lips.

He decided to gather evidence of Liu Shiyu's misdeeds and then release it to the public. This way, he could both save himself and bring down Liu Shiyu to avenge eight years of wrongdoing. It was truly a case of finding something without even trying.

Xu Luchuan was extremely pleased with himself.

Liu Shiyu frowned and remained silent; she only wanted to wait for Xu Luchuan to answer before letting go. But why was this man laughing to himself? Xu Luchuan, answer me already, my hand is getting sore.

After Xu Luchuan regained his senses, he finally spoke and replied, "Your Majesty, I understand. Everything is at Your Highness's disposal."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shiyu quickly released his grip, and Xu Luchuan took the opportunity to put away the official document and step back. "If Your Highness has no further instructions, this humble subject will return to report. I will not disturb you any longer."

"Take care." Liu Shiyu nodded and said goodbye.

Watching Xu Luchuan leave and until his figure disappeared from sight, Liu Shiyu let out a long sigh of relief. She leaned back and slumped onto the cushion.

Feng Rong walked over, squatted down next to Liu Shiyu, and asked, "Your Highness, why did Young Master Xu suddenly agree?"

Liu Shiyu shook her head.

"When I came in just now, I thought that Young Master Xu's appearance was quite similar to what you requested. I just don't know if he is talented enough. I hope he won't show his weakness in front of His Highness Shouyang." Feng Rong continued to ask.

Liu Shiyu shook her head again.

Seeing Liu Shiyu's state, Feng Rong reached out and gently poked her shoulder, teasingly saying, "Your Highness, can you say something? Did the departure of Second Young Master Xu steal your soul as well?"

Liu Shiyu didn't want to pay attention, so she covered her mouth with both hands, not wanting to say a word. She just wanted to lie there quietly. She even wished tomorrow would never come, so she wouldn't have to go to Guangling to deal with the troublesome Liu Shijin. She could lie there forever.

"Your Highness, the lamb has been slaughtered." Le Xin stepped in. "When would you like to have your meal?"

Hearing the noise, Feng Rong stood up, glanced at Liu Shiyu, and said, "Her Highness can't answer your question right now. She's a little mute who can't speak."

"I'm not mute!" Liu Shiyu sat up abruptly, turning to Feng Rong with displeasure. "By the way, this matter is settled. Feng Rong, where's the plum wine you mentioned? Bring it here immediately. Don't try to renege. Otherwise, this princess will deduct your stipend!"

"How dare I?" Feng Rong smiled and stepped forward, trying to help Liu Shiyu up. "I've already had plum wine prepared. Le Xin has also sent the utensils for roasting meat to the backyard. We're just waiting for your order to start our meal."

Taking advantage of the situation, Liu Shiyu stood up, shook off the wrinkles in her skirt, and smiled with narrowed eyes, "Let's go have a meal."

...

Xu Luchuan, having exited the princess's residence, looked at the sparsely populated long street and also let out a long sigh of relief.

Although dealing with Liu Shiyu just now was quite thrilling, the matter was fortunately resolved smoothly. In addition, tomorrow is the summer solstice holiday, so Xu Luchuan can temporarily put these unpleasant things behind him and relax.

As for what Liu Shiyu said about Guangling and that fake lover, he figured that was something to worry about after the holiday.

No one can delay his rest day!

Xu Luchuan was happily anticipating his day off, imagining how carefree and joyful it would be. But when he inadvertently flipped through an official document that Liu Shiyu had reviewed, he discovered a note that read: "Day off postponed. Arrest Ling Wang's former subordinates in Guangling."

Looking down, Xu Luchuan saw his own name and the names of his two colleagues prominently displayed at the bottom of the signature line. He almost spat out a mouthful of blood on the spot.

Xu Luchuan's veins bulged instantly, and he slammed his fist into the doorpost, causing the entire princess's residence to tremble. Slowly retracting his reddened fist, he glared fiercely at the gate of the princess's residence, exuding an aura of resentment...

Liu Shiyu, I'll kill you.