Chapter 38 Ancient Duck Shop
After hearing this, Rong Yu stopped asking questions. Since he was still able to go shopping, he must not be seriously ill.
At this moment, the boss placed a bowl of steaming wontons in front of Rongyu. The old man smiled kindly and earnestly told him to eat slowly and be careful not to burn himself.
Rongyu agreed with a smile, and then took a bite of fried cake and a bite of wonton, eating with great satisfaction, and the aroma filled the air.
"Rong Yu." Ye Chenyuan suddenly spoke.
"Hmm?" Rong Yu was biting a fried pancake, his eyes reluctant to leave the plump wonton in the spoon. Talking wouldn't delay his meal, right?
Ye Chenyuan pondered for a moment and said, "If I ask King Jing for you, will you be willing to come to me?"
Want him?
Rong Yu was stunned. What did this mean? Was he asking him to leave Prince Jing's mansion and join Prince Yan's mansion?
"Your Highness, do you want me to go with you?" he confirmed.
"Exactly."
"I don't want to." Rong Yu almost blurted out.
Ye Chenyuan's expression suddenly became complicated, and emotions surged in his eyes, which were difficult to express in words.
Rongyu understood his thoughts. The last time he had protected him from injury, when Ye Chenyin came to the mansion looking for someone, he had sensed that the other party had misunderstood him, but unfortunately he had no chance to clarify.
"Are you really willing to stay there, and not be forced by him?" Ye Chenyuan finally asked the question that was weighing on his heart.
"Host, the outside world has always had a bad reputation for Ye Chenyin. Ye Chenyuan is worried that you will be coerced."
"Your Highness!" Rong Yu's expression suddenly became serious, and there was even a rare hint of anger in his tone, which startled Ye Chenyuan.
He looked directly into the other person's eyes and said seriously, "Prince Jing is very good. He treats me and those around him very well. The rumors outside are all false."
Ye Chenyuan had never expected Rong Yu to defend Ye Chenyin so strongly. Although he had long harbored doubts about the rumors, he had also been convinced that Rong Yu had been coerced, severely injured, and taken away by Ye Chenyin, who then prevented him from visiting her. Each and every one of these events seemed to confirm the unbearable rumors.
He had originally thought that as long as he persisted, he would eventually be able to rescue the person from the cage. But at this moment, Rong Yu's decisive words seemed to suddenly reveal a one-man show he had directed and performed, leaving him with only his own emotions, while the other party was completely unaware.
Moreover, when Rongyu mentioned Ye Chenyin, the unintentional seriousness in his tone was obvious.
"He's never been one to trust anyone, yet he's managed to keep you by his side for so long. Rong Yu, you're truly likable."
Is this a compliment? It doesn't sound like it.
Ye Chenyuan finished the bun in his hand, silently took out a silver ingot from his arms and placed it on the table.
"This king has something important to attend to, so I'll go ahead."
Rong Yu had just put a scalding hot wonton into his mouth when he gasped in shock at the heat. He could only sigh and wave his hand hastily to signal.
"Ye Chenyuan looks very sad. Does he like you too?"
"Don't talk nonsense. My destined match is a stunning beauty. How can I be compared to her?"
Ye Chenyuan was indeed strange today. Why would he suddenly ask Ye Chenyin for him? He wasn't an object, so how could he be given away casually?
After breakfast, Rong Yu wandered around the market again. Passing by a fan stall, he stopped.
Pick up a fan painted with plum blossoms in the snow, it feels warm to the touch, shake it gently and a faint fragrance will float in the air.
"Sir, you have good taste! This is a new work by Master Chuchen, and it is unique elsewhere!" said the stall owner attentively.
Rongyu looked closely at the signature on the fan and saw it was indeed "Chuchen". But who was this famous scholar? He had never heard of him before.
"Young Master Chuchen is the top star of the Theatre of Dancers. Not only is he a peerless beauty, but his painting and calligraphy skills are also unrivaled. Many people are vying for his calligraphy to resell for profit."
"I wonder if Ye Chenyuan has ever met him? Is he his preferred type? Why not buy this fan and leave a good impression on Master Chuchen first?"
If this extraordinary young man is exactly what Ye Chenyin likes, wouldn't he be happy and peaceful if he had him by his side in the future? Perhaps the kind-hearted and beautiful Chu Chen could even influence Ye Chenyin's cold and hard heart. By then, wouldn't it be just a matter of time for him to complete his mission and return home safely?
Thinking of this, Rong Yu became very interested and immediately took out a silver ingot and threw it to the stall owner without even asking the price.
It's rare to see people buying things without asking the price.
When Rongyu returned to Prince Jing's mansion, Ye Chenyin was already in the study. Siyu was standing outside the door, polishing her sword. Seeing him return, she sheathed her sword and asked, "Where have you been? His Highness is looking for you."
Rongyu handed him the packed buns and fried cakes and said, "I'm going to have breakfast. I brought these for you. Eat them while they're hot." After saying that, she pushed the door open and walked in.
In the study, Ye Chenyin was holding a scroll. He looked up at the voice and his eyes fell on Rong Yu who walked in.
Their eyes met, and Rong Yu felt a sudden chill run down his spine. Winter had clearly ended, so where did this chill come from?
"Your Highness." Rong Yu called out with a smile.
Ye Chenyin did not respond, but just stared at him quietly, as if waiting for an explanation.
In fact, he knew everything about Rongyu's whereabouts, who he met, what he did, and what he said. He just wanted to hear Rongyu tell it in person, and wanted him to share everything he saw and heard with him.
Rather than asking him.
"I went to try some steamed buns, fried cakes, and wontons. I knew Your Highness liked freshly cooked food, so I didn't bring any for you. But..." He mysteriously pulled out a rosewood box from behind his back and placed it on the desk, "I brought back another thing."
"What is this?"
"Your Highness, just open it and you'll know."
Ye Chenyin opened the wooden box and saw a folding fan. The fan was painted with plum blossoms in full bloom in the cold, lifelike and the artistry was evident.
However, when my eyes touched the signature...
Bang!
The fan was slammed shut! Ye Chenyin's five fingers suddenly tightened, with such force that the fan bones were almost broken!
"Don't!" Rong Yu hurriedly took back the fan, which was an important prop that he hoped would help him find a marriage!
"Your Highness... don't like it?"
"Do you want to see him?" Ye Chenyin's voice was terribly low.
Is this person really a worm in his stomach? Can he guess his thoughts just by looking at a fan?
"Your Highness, can you take me to have a look? I have never been to the Theatre of Performers." Rong Yu's eyes flashed with curiosity.
Adding another chapter to my life experience, I think the duck shops in ancient times must have had a different flavor than modern ones, right?
"Since Xuanhe wants to go, I will take you there." Ye Chenyin responded with a calm tone.
For some reason, Rong Yu felt that Ye Chenyin was different today. Although he was still taciturn, a layer of indelible coldness seemed to condense around him.
Did he suffer injustice in the palace?
"What happened to Ye Chenyin?"
"I didn't know about it that early. In the original novel, there seems to be no subplot for this part. It should have been just a normal interaction, and the events wouldn't unfold until a month later."
That was even more puzzling. If nothing had happened, why did Ye Chenyin look like he was about to face a storm? Could it be that some hidden plot had been triggered?
After lunch, Ye Chenyin did not delay and brought Rongyu directly to the door of the Actor's Pavilion.
Even before entering, the majestic and exquisite pavilion is already amazing. Although the building is not very tall, the unique and ingenious decoration style makes you linger.
The young men soliciting customers in front of the door are all graceful and charming, and they look even more delicate than women.
Such a beauty, perhaps Ye Chenyin would like her?
Rongyu thought as he walked in.
While the exterior is captivating, the interior truly captivates. Meticulously crafted and imbued with ancient charm, every detail showcases the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship.
The rosewood tables and chairs, and the golden nanmu ornaments all exude a luxurious atmosphere.
"Sir, is this your first visit?" A charming man with a strong scent of makeup suddenly rushed up, followed by a woman with a lingering charm, who looked to be about forty years old.
The man snuggled into Rongyu's arms, his eyes moving around, and he looked like he was ready to be picked, which made Rongyu get goosebumps.
Although he is lustful, he prefers strong and masculine men and has no interest in the type that is more gentle than women.
Rong Yu immediately pulled away and took a step back. The strong smell of powder made him sneeze several times.
"I'm looking for Master Chen. Is he here?"
When the handsome man heard the word "out of this world", his eyes brightened even more. His slender jade fingers caressed Rongyu's cheek, sliding down her face in an ambiguous way, and his voice was sweet and seductive: "My name is Qingyi, why don't you try me? I know many more tricks than that out of this world young master, and I will definitely not let you down."
Tsk, the unofficial history is not deceiving me, the ancients really were very good at playing around.
Rongyu brushed him away and quickly hid behind Ye Chenyin, straightening his back instantly.
"No need for anyone else to accompany me." Ye Chenyin spoke coldly, his words clear.
Seeing that there was nothing she could do, Qingyi could only leave with a twist of her waist in disappointment.
Could it be that everyone in this pavilion is like this? If Chu Chen is also like this, Ye Chenyin is afraid that he will look down on him.
"Ye Chenyin should prefer someone with a sense of strength. The people here are all too weak."
"No, host, Ye Chenyin likes people like you."
'He has good taste.'
"Since the two young masters are not seeking pleasure," the woman, who was obviously the housekeeper, smiled softly with her hands covering her lips, her eyes flickering between Ye Chenyin and Rongyu for a moment, "are you looking for someone?"
"That's right. Is Young Master Chuchen here?" Rong Yu asked.
Mom's smile deepened, with a look of understanding in her eyes: "Unfortunately, Master Chuchen has a distinguished guest here right now."
"When will he be free?"
"Sir, you're joking," my mother's smile was almost overflowing. "A moment of spring night is worth a thousand gold. I'm afraid I won't be free tonight."
Also accepting customers? Would Ye Chenyin accept that?
"However, a few new prostitutes came to the pavilion yesterday. They are all young men who have not experienced anything in life. They are all very handsome. Are you two gentlemen interested in taking a look?" Mom changed the subject and recommended them enthusiastically.
Is there such a thing?
It’s better to take a look, maybe there will be a glance that Ye Chenyin will remember for a thousand years.
Finally, the two followed their mother up the stairs to the second floor.
Downstairs, people were still drinking and singing, creating an elegant atmosphere.
On the second floor, the scene suddenly changed. People were mingling in the corridors. Many of them were wearing half-undressed clothes, their faces flushed. Some were whispering to each other, some were caressing each other as if no one was around, and some were even having sex in broad daylight.
Rong Yu felt his scalp tingle. He was a modern man, yet at this moment he felt the constraints of feudal ethics! Along the way, the unbearable sights made him unable to look directly, and the obscene words in his ears made him blush. Ye Chenyin held him tightly in his arms, isolating him from some of the filth.
Suddenly, Ye Chenyin stopped.
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