Chapter 64 [VIP]

Lu Xuejin couldn't help but chuckle. His Highness really does come up with whatever comes to mind.

“If Yue’er establishes a new religion, I will become your believer, how about that?” he asked jokingly.

Having never called him "Little Prince" before, Murong Yue looked at him curiously upon hearing the new title, her cheeks flushing red. She became shy and excited beside him, her little tiger teeth peeking out as she looked at him with bright eyes.

Murong Yue: "What did you call me, brother? Say it again."

Seeing the person about to pounce on him, Lu Xuejin ignored the excited boy. Li Miaosuo, who was opposite them, gently patted the boy beside him twice, signaling him to behave. He, however, had many questions he wanted to ask the woman opposite him.

“Miss Li, I have heard about the teachings of the Vajrayana Buddhism at the temple, and I greatly admire them. Could you please enlighten me on a few points?” Lu Xuejin asked politely.

“Of course,” Li Miaosuo replied, somewhat surprised. She liked to wear lotus-patterned skirts, the loose skirts with lace trim that revealed a section of her ankles. She wasn’t ashamed of this, and when Lu Xuejin looked at her ankles, she didn’t react at all.

“Please speak, Lord Lu,” Li Miaosuo said.

“I have heard that you want to build a world where everyone is equal, and everyone is under the swaying tree. I would like to ask you what kind of equality you mean by conception… As far as I know, this should be extremely difficult to achieve.”

Li Miaosuo: "Of course it is as Lord Lu thinks. I have only secured a place for the weak, making them equal. The majority of people want equality, and believers who do not conform to these principles will never set foot in my home."

Lu Xuejin asked, "Then, if a country wanted to become like the one the young lady described, what should it do?"

Upon hearing this, Li Miaosuo looked at him and smiled gently. "Lord Lu, are you joking with me? I'm sure you know that those who enter my sect are all powerless and insignificant, some even of ordinary appearance or with disabilities. They are not valued at all under the monarchy. If they were to gain any power, they would only think about how to perpetuate that power, rather than trying to balance the original inequality."

“I think the wisdom of the people is superior to that of those in power. Those in power are in high positions and cannot reach the people, so they do not know the people’s suffering. The ruler should be an empty concept, a symbol of public opinion and a machine controlled by the state, rather than a specific person or group. If it is put into practice, it will lead to the abuse of power,” Lu Xuejin said.

"My views and the girl's views actually coincide in some ways," he said.

Li Miaosuo: "Throughout history, it has always been people who have truly served the people. As Lord Lu said, a monarch who is devoted to the people is but a mayfly or a grain of sand in history."

“Brother, you’re always thinking about these things. The emperor is probably thinking about punishing treacherous officials, while the common people are content as long as they don’t starve or cause trouble. It’s hard for the two to empathize with each other, especially since they come from different backgrounds. How can you put yourself in someone else’s shoes?” Murong Yue said casually.

“History is full of people with the same unwavering beliefs as you,” Lu Xuejin said. “I do have some concerns. Imagine two countries: the current Wei Dynasty and the ideal country you described. The ideal country, with its equality for all, military wealth, and kind and wise people, is the embodiment of civilization, while the Wei Dynasty appears barbaric in comparison. If our current rulers continue to neglect the people and focus solely on power, then the court will become the center of power, just as they wish. Internal strife will ensue, the people will be uneasy, and the entire land will be filled with ignorance and chaos. If neighboring countries harbor ambitions of invasion, the Wei Dynasty may be in grave danger. Once war breaks out, the barbarians will inevitably be driven by the civilized; it’s only a matter of time.”

After Lu Xuejin finished speaking, she answered Murong Yue's question, saying to him, "Of course, if Yue'er were born into a wealthy family, he would be just as I described."

Upon hearing this, Murong Yue paused slightly. In fact, he had never considered these things before. Meeting the young man's gentle yet melancholic eyes, he suddenly felt a surge of indescribable emotion. Like most people, he never thought about the plight of the common people, nor about the future of the court; those were all abstract concepts. He only considered what to do when things were happening right before his eyes. His father had ordered him to return to court, so he returned, without considering how to face his elder sister, who might become the crown prince, or what the court officials would think. After his family's destruction, he embarked on the path of restoration, and every step he took was driven by fate.

Changyou was different from him. From the beginning, he knew where he was headed. He didn't care about anything else, only about what he cared about. He only worried about the people, how he could benefit them, discussed governance with others, and sought a good ruler for the people. Changyou walked on a path he firmly believed in and was determined to follow, even though it was a ridiculous, absurd, and gloomy path with no light in sight. He walked alone on it, still full of confidence and unwavering.

My brother always shines like gold, making others feel ashamed in comparison.

Across from her, Li Miaosuo couldn't help but smile, quietly observing Lu Xuejin, and asked, "In Lord Lu's opinion, what is civilization?"

“In my view,” Lu Xuejin said, “civilization is the ability to disregard life and death, to not have to worry about food or clothing, and for everyone’s worries to no longer be external but originate from within. What we are talking about now is civilization, worrying about the future of the people, worrying about tomorrow’s weather, worrying about the insects under our feet. These can be called civilization.”

Li Miaosuo paused slightly upon hearing this, then reacted, her eyes shining with admiration, and said, "I have benefited greatly from talking with Lord Lu today. Lord Lu's thinking is more open-minded than mine."

“I am not comparing myself to you, young lady. I am already very happy that you are willing to chat with me. I have gained a lot of inspiration from you in composing music by listening to the strings,” Lu Xuejin said.

“It’s not what Lord Lu thinks,” Li Miaosuo said. “Sometimes, people steadfastly believe in a certain doctrine… not as devoutly as you, sir. They may not even believe in their own faith, they may not be devout believers, but they do so because they can benefit from it. That’s all. When it comes to a certain ideology or doctrine, people will always gravitate towards what is advantageous to them. If I were born into a powerful family, I would gravitate towards power and support the monarch. If I were born into poverty, I would gravitate towards equality for all and seek a place for myself.”

“If someone abandons their original path and goes to pursue a faith that is not their own, then they are either a fool or the initiator of a new era. A person can be a container for souls or a bright light on the path of the times. I hope that Lord Lu can become the latter, a firefly in a forest, leading people through the forest shrouded in ignorance, and becoming a prophet who guides people’s thoughts.”

Lu Xuejin: "Miss Li is too kind. You are the true prophet of the South."

The afternoon sun shone through the carriage, and as the sun was about to set, they arrived outside Dingzhou City. There was an inn about ten miles from the city, where they rested for the night. Lu Xuejin alighted from the carriage and saw the sunset in the west. The sunset lasted only a dozen minutes before disappearing, leaving only a wisp of cloud.

The grove contained osmanthus trees, jujube trees, and a large area of ​​ginkgo trees, interspersed with a few low-lying crabapple trees. As the sun set, the shadows of the trees against the night sky formed dark, eerie silhouettes.

He came down with His Highness, and as he watched the sunset, he noticed that His Highness kept looking at him. He couldn't help but turn his head to look at the boy, and when he got close to the boy's eyes, he saw his own thoughtful reflection in the boy's eyes.

"Look. Something on your mind?" he asked.

In this light, it's quite interesting that when he's reflected in Murong Yue's eyes, it creates a memory for His Highness. He doesn't live in reality, but rather in His Highness's memory.

Murong Yue blushed and blurted out, "I like you, brother."

He already knew about this, and he listened quietly before asking, "Everyone should know Your Highness's feelings. Why the sudden confession?"

Although he already knew, hearing the boy say it aloud still stirred something within him. His face flushed, and his heart pounded silently in the night air. He longed to lean in and kiss the boy's head. The shy yet lively kitten's expression was written all over his face; just one look at him was enough to melt his heart.

"I just wanted to let you know," Murong Yue glanced at him and said, "I won't tell you anything else."

"Brother, you only need to know this one thing."

He didn't know what the child was thinking. Seeing the boy's serious expression, as if he had made up his mind, and his muttering like a little pufferfish, he looked down at him and pinched the boy's cheek.

He was originally handsome, and he grew even more beautiful with age. His fan-shaped eyelids were slightly open, and his eyes were dark and bright. When he looked at people calmly, he could give off a gloomy feeling. His lips were taut below his nose. He touched the child's canine tooth, and the child blushed but did not move.

He whispered, "Give me a kiss."

Upon hearing this, Murong Yue looked at him, and suddenly became embarrassed, his eyes darting around before returning to him, his red earrings fluttering back and forth.

"Brother Changyou, call out again."

Looking at the boy's awkward manner, Lu Xuejin couldn't tell if he was pretending or genuinely embarrassed, which made him want to kiss him directly. He pretended not to know and asked, "What are you shouting for?"

“That,” Murong Yue said.

Lu Xuejin: "Which one?"

Murong Yue paused for a moment and said, "Brother didn't call me Your Highness in the carriage just now, he called me something else."

Lu Xuejin pretended not to know, "How can I know what it is if Your Highness doesn't explain clearly?"

Now he knew he was lying. A glint of light flashed in Murong Yue's eyes, and he leaned in to deliberately bite the boy's ear. He hugged the boy and called out "Yue'er," the last syllable rising slightly. The boy, held in his arms, almost fainted, his face suddenly turning bright red.

It felt like he was holding a red-hot iron, burning him intensely. A crimson earring adorned his engorged ear. The boy, barely managing to maintain his composure, leaned in and kissed him on the cheek with lowered eyes. The wet touch lingered on his cheek, and he reluctantly released him afterward.

"Brother, you're not allowed to kiss anyone anymore. Only I can let you kiss me," Murong Yue said domineeringly.

Lu Xuejin noticed the boy's face shifting between light and dark, and wondered what he was thinking. He asked, "Why not? Your Highness doesn't want to be close to me."

Murong Yue glanced at him, then let go of him, but he couldn't bear to let go of his hand. Sticky sweat spread from his palm, and the scalding temperature clung to every part of his finger bones.

"No means no. You need to be more restrained in the future. We can't be so indulgent."

"..." Lu Xuejin maintained her composure, casually playing with the boy's finger bones, and replied, "I understand, as Your Highness will do. Your Highness is right."

Murong Yue sensed something was amiss. Although the young man had verbally agreed, he was deliberately teasing him. And yet, the moment he was teased, he felt dizzy and completely disoriented. He reluctantly released his beloved possession and, displeased, moved a little further away from the young man.

"I'll go change my clothes first, and then I'll come find you later," he said.

He left in a hurry, went into the inn, and the first thing he did after closing the door was to check his own body. Changyou had only called his name once, and he almost ejaculated. He couldn't be so out of control; he always let his brother lead him by the nose.

Thinking this, Murong Yue patted his leg and put down his clothes. The wisteria in the room had been tidied up, and the doll that Sister Ziyan had sewn for him was placed at the corner of the bed. The doll looked exactly like his brother. He picked up the doll, looked at it closely, and saw that the doll couldn't talk, so it would be perfect for practice.

He leaned in and kissed the doll, as if kissing his brother from afar. His face flushed red, and looking at his own blushing and shy reflection in the mirror, he became increasingly agitated.

He then kissed the doll twice more; the doll's gem-like eyes were just like his brother's.

Tengluo had just finished tidying up the room. She told Ziyan and came back to get her things. Unaware that someone was in the room, she pushed open the door and saw the young prince stealing a kiss on a doll not far away. She stared at the doll, which looked exactly like the young master, and her eyes widened. Just then, the prince noticed.

The two of them stared at each other across the distance, and the air became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

With a "click," Tengluo immediately closed the door, muttering something eerie to herself.

Murong Yue didn't come out for dinner that night, hiding himself in his room. Tengluo knew what had happened and couldn't help but chuckle. She wouldn't tell the young master about it, letting His Highness fend for himself.

Lu Xuejin noticed this and asked, "Why hasn't Your Highness come down yet?"

Tengluo said gloatingly, "Perhaps he felt embarrassed and didn't want to come out. Young master, don't worry about His Highness, he's fine. His Highness usually has the best appetite."

Lu Xuejin was naturally worried, so she didn't eat much and went to Murong Yue's room. The light was on inside. She knocked on the door, but there was no answer.

"Your Highness? Are you feeling unwell?" he asked, but hearing no response, he pushed open the door.

The door wasn't locked, and as soon as he entered, he saw the boy sitting on the edge of the bed, holding a doll. The boy was already incredibly handsome, but now his features were serene, and his dark eyes revealed a hint of vulnerability. Holding the doll, he looked at him with his canine teeth showing, as if he had seen a savior.

"Brother Changyou."

The boy's pitiful and adorable appearance while holding the doll almost made him unable to look away, like seeing a kitten clutching dried fish. As soon as he approached, the boy jumped into his arms, as if he had turned into a doll in his arms. He didn't want to let go.

"What's wrong...why aren't you going to eat?" he asked.

Murong Yue said sullenly, "I was caught by Tengluo for stealing a kiss from the doll. Has she already told my brother?"

“No,” Lu Xuejin said. Now that he knew, he asked, “Just because of this?”

A note from the author: