Chapter 14
Early the next morning.
Li Youfu brought the eunuch in to help the Crown Prince wash up. He was not surprised at all to see Gu Yanling sleeping on the soft couch behind the screen.
"Wake up, or the young master will see you and tell you something."
Gu Yanling had gone to bed early last night, so she wasn't too grouchy to be woken up. She yawned sleepily, stretched, and then slowly sat up. "What time is it?"
Li Youfu couldn't stand seeing him being so unruly, but when he thought about the guy keeping watch, he felt relieved. He couldn't help but speak in a more pleasant tone: "What time did you say it was? Go wash up quickly."
Hearing this, Gu Yanling got up from the couch, put on her clothes, and stretched her waist. She felt uncomfortable all over. She cried out twice and muttered, "I feel stiff after sleeping on this couch all night."
Li Youfu thought to himself that he should be content. Judging from the look of her, she had slept for a long time and she was not well taken care of at night.
Gu Yanling suddenly thought: "Oh, by the way, when will I get my bag back?"
Li Youfu: "There are too many bottles and jars in the bag. I need to check them carefully. Why are you in such a hurry?"
Gu Yanling's bag contained some goodies he had prepared. "There's no rush. I'm just worried you might get them mixed up."
Li Youfu: "Then don't worry."
Gu Yanling: "Oh, I'll go back and wash up, and come back later."
Li Youfu was about to enter the inner room when he saw Gu Yanling pull something out of his pocket. He asked knowingly, "Hey, what is this?"
"Wow, what a huge night-shining pearl! Such a good thing should only be enjoyed by a blessed person like me."
Li Youfu glanced at his arrogance and knew that he was using this to mock him, so he simply ignored him.
Gu Yanling deliberately waved the night pearl in front of Li Youfu.
Li Youfu laughed and scolded, "Get lost, you stinky show-off."
Gu Yanling hummed a tune as he left. Li Youfu looked at his brisk back and said to the young eunuch behind him, "See? You are all so unprofessional. How long has he been serving His Highness? How long have you been serving in the Eastern Palace? Be more discerning and learn more from now on."
The young eunuchs carrying the toiletries lowered their heads and said nothing.
Li Youfu thought about it and realized that Gu Yanling was so bold because he didn't know the identity of His Highness. "Forget it, I didn't tell him just now. If he learns his impulsive style, he won't be able to pick off enough heads even if he has more heads."
Li Youfu led everyone in to help His Royal Highness change his clothes and wash up. Xiao Xinghan was already sitting on the bed in his pajamas. Li Youfu knelt down to help him put on his boots and said with a smile, "I see Your Highness slept well last night, did you?"
Xiao Xinghan stood up: "Yeah."
Li Youfu: "It seems that Yuanbao is really capable."
Xiao Xinghan heard their conversation clearly in the inner room, but remained noncommittal. "Did you find anything in his bags?"
Li Youfu: "I will ask the imperial physician later."
Xiao Xinghan said nothing more and went to the front hall after washing up. Li Youfu saw that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had been staying in the study all day since he came to Yangzhou, and he couldn't help feeling worried. Before leaving Beijing, the Queen Mother specifically instructed him to persuade His Royal Highness to go out of the house more often.
Although Li Youfu didn't know the purpose of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's visit, His Royal Highness's attitude didn't show any sign of him being there for fun. After being pulled out by Gu Yanling with great difficulty, that brat took His Royal Highness to such a dirty place, which spoiled His Royal Highness's fun.
Gu Yanling did not come to serve breakfast. After Li Youfu served His Highness the meal, he saw His Highness the Crown Prince went to the study again.
The imperial physician saw Li Youfu coming over in person and said, "But Your Highness—"
Li Youfu: "I came here to ask how the medicine in the bundle went?"
The doctor pointed to the pile of bottles and jars and said, "These are all common pills. The rest haven't been tested yet."
Li Youfu saw that so many bottles and jars contained common medicines. If there was anything wrong with so many of them mixed together, it would have been discovered long ago. Besides, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was extremely cautious with what he took, so there would be no problem. So he put those bottles and jars away and said, "In that case, I will take these back."
Li Youfu carried his bag and went to Gu Yanling's room. Seeing the door was open, he walked in. Gu Yanling was lying on the table, thinking about how to dispel Xiao Xinghan's desire for his body. When he heard footsteps, he thought it was Chang Feng. He looked up and saw Li Youfu. "Why are you here? Did the young master come to see me?"
Li Youfu threw the bag on his desk. "This room is too small. What are you thinking about here? Are you thinking about being lazy?"
Seeing that he had even specially returned the bundle, Gu Yanling thought that there were two bottles of medicinal powder in the bundle that could not be shown to others. Perhaps the doctor was unprofessional, but it was definitely not poison. "Who is being lazy? I was just about to go and serve the young master!"
"Where's the young master?"
"In the study."
Gu Yanling was speechless. As an official sent by the imperial court to conduct secret inspections, he did not do his work all day long, but stayed in the study reading idle books. Is this reasonable?
"I'm not saying anything, there are so many fun places in Yangzhou City, why is the young master in the study every day? When can't he read a book?"
Li Youfu agreed in his heart. He came here for this matter, but he still put on a serious face and scolded: "Don't talk about the young master behind his back."
Gu Yanling was not afraid of him: "I dare to say it in front of the young master, there are so many fun things to do in Yangzhou City, and it's so boring for the young master to stay in the study all day."
Li Youfu: "What's fun there? Don't go to those shady places. It's better not to visit them."
Gu Yanling narrowed her eyes and looked at Li Youfu. "Okay, I get it. Do you want to go out for a walk? You're hinting at me. When I take the young master out, you can come along too!"
Li Youfu saw his expression, which said, "Look at how clever I am, don't try to hide anything from me." "Last time, I helped you to coax the young master out of the mansion by accident. If you can find another way to get the young master out for a walk, I will be truly impressed."
Gu Yanling knew that he was trying to provoke Xiao Xinghan, but he really wanted him to leave the house, so he said, "Just wait and see."
In the study.
Gu Yanling came in with a tray: "Master, I'm here to bring you some tea."
Xiao Xinghan was painting at his desk when he heard the flattering voice, but he didn't even raise his head. Gu Yanling didn't care either. She put the tray aside, moved behind him, and saw the flower and bird painting on the rice paper. She was surprised that the painting was so vivid.
Xiao Xinghan paused after filling in the last stroke and stood up to wash his hands. Gu Yanling picked up the painting and began to flatter him towards the window: "Young Master, your painting is so exquisite and incomparable. It is truly a natural talent. The person who can create such a painting is truly a rare genius!"
"But Master, is this little black bird a crow?"
People's flower and bird paintings usually feature sparrows, pheasants, or cranes, but I've never seen anyone paint a crow. Its black eyes are so big, and it stretches its wings as if chirping. Its little expression looks quite lively.
After Xiao Xinghan washed his hands, he glanced at him. Gu Yanling hurriedly put down the drawing paper and picked up the handkerchief. This time she did it herself. Xiao Xinghan let him wipe his hands. Looking at his eager expression and the flattering tone when he came in, she waited for him to speak calmly.
Gu Yanling carefully wiped the water droplets off Xiao Xinghan's hands, and felt a thin layer of calluses on the base of his fingers. She couldn't help but scratch it with her fingers out of curiosity. After all, Xiao Xinghan lived a life of luxury, with someone helping him change clothes and put on shoes, so how could he still have calluses?
Xiao Xinghan: "Haven't you touched enough yet?"
Gu Yanling pinched his fingers instead, smiling and not letting go: "Master, are you tired from painting? Let me rub them for you."
Xiao Xinghan pulled his hand away from his soft, boneless little hand without any gratitude, and walked to the window to sit down. Gu Yanling hurriedly walked behind him and took the initiative to pat his shoulders, "Master, today is a really nice day."
As soon as he said this, Xiao Xinghan knew what he was planning, "No."
Gu Yanling: "I haven't even told you where we're going yet, why doesn't the young master want to go?"
Xiao Xinghan: "Not going anywhere."
Gu Yanling: "Master, please, I made a bet with Li Youfu. I said today was a nice day and wanted you to take me out for a walk. He laughed at me and said I was daydreaming."
Xiao Xinghan said calmly, "He laughs at you, what does it have to do with me?"
Gu Yanling pinched Xiao Xinghan's shoulders and shook them gently, taking advantage of Xiao Xinghan's liking for her, and said in a soft voice: "Master, good master, please, just agree to me."
If I act like a spoiled child with you like this, I'm sure you'll fall in love with me!
Xiao Xinghan remained unmoved: "To ask for help, you need bargaining chips. What's the point of just talking about it?"
Gu Yanling: “…”
You can’t catch a wolf without sacrificing a child, and you can’t do it without giving the other party some sweet treats, so—
Xiao Xinghan quickly grabbed Gu Yanling's chin to stop him, "What do you want to do?"
Gu Yanling originally wanted to pout and kiss him on the face, but she was unexpectedly held by the other party's tiger's mouth. She couldn't speak and could only whimper twice. Seeing this, Xiao Xinghan loosened the shackles on him.
Gu Yanling was just about to kiss him, but after being interrupted, she didn't have the courage to do it again. She could only look at Xiao Xinghan with resentment.
Xiao Xinghan thought about his actions just now: "..."
Gu Yanling: "Then how can the young master agree?"
Xiao Xinghan: "Where do you want me to take you?"
Gu Yanling was immediately delighted when she heard this: "You agree?"
Xiao Xinghan had no expression on his face. He tapped the table with his fingers and said, "Tell me first, and I'll consider it."
Gu Yanling had other plans and suggested, "Why don't we go for an outing? There's a lake in the suburbs that stretches as far as the eye can see. We can go boating, and there are islands in the lake with beautiful views."
Xiao Xinghan: "Yeah."
Gu Yanling: "Master, are you agreeing?!"
In order to keep himself quiet, Xiao Xinghan said, "Let Li Youfu prepare it." If he didn't agree, Gu Yanling might do something puzzling.
Gu Yanling nodded: "Yes, then I will tell Li Youfu right away!"
When Li Youfu saw Gu Yanling come out with a smile on her face, he knew the matter was settled. He went up to her and asked, "Young Master, do you agree?"
Gu Yanling thought to herself, who am I? How can I not agree when I take action? She cleared her throat and said, "Youfu, the young master asked you to prepare some things for an outing in the suburbs."
Li Youfu saw that he was starting to act pretentiously again, but he didn't get annoyed. After all, he did have the ability to get His Highness out of the palace. He smiled and said, "Okay, I'll go get ready."
Gu Yanling: "I'll go get ready too."
Half an hour later.
Xiao Xinghan lifted the hem of his robe and got into a carriage parked at the foot of the stone steps at the gate. Gu Yanling also got into the carriage. Li Youfu and Chang Feng were driving the carriage outside. This trip was very low-key. If there were few people traveling, they would not attract attention. Chang Feng was quite skilled in martial arts, and ordinary people were no match for him, but that was not so bad.
The carriage is extremely spacious, separated into inside and outside. The inner room can be used for rest, while tea and snacks are placed on the low table outside.
Gu Yanling sat next to Xiao Xinghan and felt that the seat cushion was extremely soft. The carriage did not look luxurious from the outside, but she did not expect it to be so comfortable inside. The carriage was moving slowly, and people did not feel the bumps at all.
Gu Yanling saw Xiao Xinghan reading a book again as soon as he got in the car. Judging from the cover, it was hard to tell whether it was a casual book or not. "Master, why don't you read when you're out for fun?"
Xiao Xinghan didn't even raise his eyes: "It will take half an hour to leave the city. If you don't read books, what are you looking at?"
Gu Yanling: "We can chat, reading hurts your eyes."
Xiao Xinghan: "Either shut up, or let Li Youfu come in instead."
Gu Yanling snorted, "Master, do you think I talk too much? Then I'll go out and not disturb you anymore!"
As he said this, he pretended to stand up, but saw that Xiao Xinghan ignored him. Tsk, don't talk to him. He would go talk to Brother Chang Feng. Gu Yanling was a talkative person to begin with, and he couldn't stand being kept silent for half an hour.
Li Youfu saw him open the car door and look out, "What's wrong?"
Gu Yanling: "Let's switch."
Li Youfu saw his expression and understood, "You talk too much. Master, I guess you're being too noisy."
Gu Yanling: "How is that possible? The young master is reading a book. I felt stuffy in the carriage, so I just wanted to chat with Brother Chang Feng. Besides, the scenery outside is beautiful, so I'm happy to be outside."
Both of the people present knew that His Highness liked quietness, and Gu Yanling's noisy personality must have displeased His Highness. Seeing that he did not admit it, they did not expose her.
Gu Yanling sat next to Chang Feng and chatted with him, "Brother Chang Feng, can you drive?"
Chang Feng glanced at him and asked, "Why are you wearing this kind of clothes?"
Gu Yanling raised her hand: "Stop, Brother Chang Feng, our skin color is different, so please don't say anything about the second brother. Your skin color is darker than mine."
Chang Feng replied, "I know a little bit more when I'm around the young master."
Gu Yanling inquired, "Brother Chang Feng, are you quite skilled in martial arts? Can you fight ten people at once?"
Chang Feng: "Why are you asking this?"
Gu Yanling lied, "I envy you. I want to become your disciple and learn martial arts from you. If I don't serve you anymore, I can change my career and become a bodyguard. I heard that bodyguards earn a lot of money."
Chang Feng had no doubts: "It's too late for you to learn martial arts at your age. You have to practice the basics from a young age, and being a bodyguard is not as easy as you think."
Gu Yanling: "Then I will open a martial arts school. You are so skilled in martial arts, it should be no problem for you to fight ten people alone."
Chang Feng: "There are always people who are better than you, and my martial arts skills are not the best either."
He was no match for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Not only was His Royal Highness skilled in riding and shooting, his swordsmanship was also superb. After all, he had been trained to be the crown prince since he was young, and he had achieved the utmost in all aspects of his studies.
Gu Yanling judged his words and finally decided that it would be best to avoid him for the sake of safety.
Gu Yanling chattered all the way and kept talking to Chang Feng. Fortunately, Chang Feng answered all the questions and was not like Xiao Xinghan who only responded based on his mood. After leaving the city and driving to the suburbs, the scenery was pleasant.
The scenery of Jiangnan is truly picturesque.
Gu Yanling opened the carriage door: "The young master is here."
After saying that, he got into the car and poured himself a cup of tea to moisten his throat. He was thirsty from talking all the way. Xiao Xinghan saw that he drank three cups in one breath, so it was obvious that he had talked a lot.
Li Youfu saw him drinking such precious tea as if it were water, like a cow chewing a peony, and then he heard—
"Youfu, the tea you prepared doesn't taste very good."
Li Youfu smiled slightly: "This is the young master's favorite tea."
Gu Yanling immediately changed her tone: "Haha, I was just kidding you, this tea is delicious, young master has good taste, it's much better than the Biluochun we have here."
Li Youfu thought to himself, you kid are really good at changing your face. You have even drunk Biluochun. Do you know what it means to drink it?
"Young Master, you have been sitting in the carriage for so long, please get off and move around." Gu Yanling jumped off the carriage first.
The weather is nice today, and there are many rich young ladies and gentlemen playing together, and there are also children flying kites.
Xiao Xinghan didn't like crowds: "Let's go boating."
Gu Yanling was waiting for him to say this: "There's a boat over there."
The small boats parked on the lake are not big and can only carry two passengers. They are places set up for dating between young men and women who are in love.
As soon as Xiao Xinghan boarded the boat, Gu Yanling followed him like a little tail. Li Youfu hurriedly said, "Yuanbao, come down and join me. Let Chang Feng follow the young master."
After all, His Highness's body is worth a million dollars, and no mistakes can be made.
Gu Yanling was unwilling: "Master, do you want to go boating with Brother Chang Feng?"
Xiao Xinghan met Gu Yanling's blinking eyes and said, "That's all. You guys wait for the boat behind."
His Highness had spoken, so Li Youfu had no choice but to shut up. Coincidentally, there were many people there today, and there were no empty boats. He could only wait for people to finish swimming around the lake. Li Youfu watched the boat gradually disappearing on the shore, feeling anxious. Chang Feng saw this and said, "With the young master's skills, he should be fine."
There are endless lotus leaves planted in the blue lake.
Gu Yanling casually picked a flower and placed it on Xiao Xinghan's head, saying with a smile, "It will block the sun for the young master."
Xiao Xinghan raised his chin slightly and asked him to look at the sign next to him——
Picking is prohibited.
Gu Yanling: "...I just picked this section."
Xiao Xinghan ignored him. Gu Yanling pouted and said to the boatman, "Go over there. The view of the island is the best over there."
A quarter of an hour later, the boat docked at the island.
Gu Yanling got off the boat and held out her hand to Xiao Xinghan: "Master, there are little squirrels over here. They are very cute."
Xiao Xinghan didn't shake his hand, but jumped off the boat and followed him in. Gu Yanling wondered if the people from that group were there today. They should be there, as they usually wait on the 10th, 15th and 25th of the month.
Gu Yanling touched the medicine powder in his pocket, thinking that when this group of people came to rob him, he would be a hero to save the beauty. By then, Xiao Xinghan would be so grateful to him as his savior that he would burst into tears. If he tried to attack him again, he would be so heartless and ungrateful!
Xiao Xinghan glanced at his increasingly complex expression and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Gu Yanling pretended to be serious and said, "Strange, why didn't I see a single squirrel today?"
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw a group of people blocking the way. The leader had a face full of flesh, broad shoulders and a thick waist. Behind him were seven or eight younger brothers, each of whom looked like a martial artist. They spoke with full energy: "There is a fee to enter here, one hundred taels per person!"
Gu Yanling immediately stood in front of Xiao Xinghan: "Master, don't be afraid!"
Xiao Xinghan: "..."
The big brother who collected the "toll" looked at Gu Yanling and flexed his muscles to show off. "Little black loach, do you believe that I can throw you into the lake with one punch? Stop talking nonsense and quickly take out two hundred taels."
Gu Yanling: "Who are you calling a loach? Two hundred taels! Why don't you just go and rob it? It's broad daylight, and there's no law. Be careful or I'll report you to the police!"
"Looks like they won't accept the toast, so let's teach them a lesson, brothers."
Just as Gu Yanling was about to make a move, Xiao Xinghan grabbed his arm and pulled him aside. He quickly shouted, "Master, let me do it—"
Before he could finish the words "protect you", he watched as Xiao Xinghan kicked the burly man in the lead away with a clean kick, and several people behind him were knocked away as well. It was obvious how heavy the kick was. Several people fell to the ground with a loud bang, accompanied by painful wails.
Gu Yanling's eyes widened as she watched this scene: "???"
No, he thought Xiao Xinghan was a civil servant!!!
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