Chapter 21 Sixteen years old! Still so young! ...
Upon hearing this question, Long Zhaoming remained silent for a long time, but still didn't say anything.
Mingyue's intuition told him that something had definitely happened between the two of them, something he himself was unaware of.
Upon reflection, if he himself was unaware of it, then it most likely occurred before he ascended the throne...
A knock sounded at the door. Mingyue turned around and saw Seventeen standing outside.
"Your Highness, is Brother Yue here with you?"
Seventeen knew that Yue Ge must be inside; he had just overheard the two of them talking.
"Yes, Little Seventeen, come in."
Mingyue stood to the side, completely unlike his previous demeanor as the emperor. Long Zhaoming couldn't help but glance at him, thinking to himself that he had never realized his brother was such a good actor.
"Your Highness, Brother Yue, I just bought some food. Would you like to try some?"
Seventeen carried in a bunch of fragrant food, making Long Zhaoming swallow hard.
"Show me what you bought?"
Tempted by the delicious food, Long Zhaoming completely ignored his elder brother's sharp gaze and smiled as he took the food from Seventeen's hands and placed it on the table.
"The weather is cold now, so most of the food is warming, but it's all ordinary food. I don't know if Your Highness will be able to get used to it."
Seventeen smiled as she held the soft, white steamed cake. Long Zhaoming said nonchalantly, "Why are you so picky? Seventeen, uh, and Mingyue, come and eat with us."
Long Zhaoming paused for a moment, almost calling out his elder brother.
Mingyue glared at him without changing her expression, then casually sat down next to Seventeen and asked, "Is it lively outside?"
"Fortunately, many people left after the New Year, and this town is mostly populated by the elderly and women and children."
Seventeen took a bite of the soft steamed cake, and the light sweetness spread in her mouth. It was hot and warm, and even her heart felt warmed.
The post station they were at was located on the eastern edge of Ye. To travel to Jiangnan, one had to pass through this area. If they hadn't been attacked along the way, the group would probably have continued on for a while longer.
This town was just a temporary stop. Although it was close to Yejing, most of the young and middle-aged people went to work in Yejing or nearby, while a few stayed at home to farm.
After all, the wages in Yejing are much higher than in the local area.
Mingyue nodded. This was normal. After the three of them finished their meal in silence, Long Zhaoming left Seventeen and Mingyue behind and said, "We were attacked today. No matter who is behind it, their purpose is definitely to sow discord between me and my brother. But I can't arouse their suspicion, so we will go ahead alone."
That night, a rooster belonging to someone raised crowed loudly and proudly, almost cracking the dark sky. The golden sunlight shone on its tail feathers, making them even more colorful.
The three horses left silently through the back door of the post station and disappeared into the dim sunlight, without arousing anyone's suspicion.
Early the next morning, the innkeeper smiled and led the horses to the tall man in front of him: "Have a safe journey, everyone."
Xiao Mowen nodded, turned around and called out to the carriage, "Your Highness, let's set off."
Then, he led his large group on the return journey.
If one were observant, one would notice that there was no sound from inside the carriage responding to Xiao Mowen from beginning to end, and the tire tracks seemed to be slightly lighter than yesterday.
The three who had left before dawn had already arrived at the next town by noon.
This town was much more bustling than the one they had rested in the previous night. It was supposed to be their first stop, but the unexpected incident delayed them.
Although Long Zhaoming was not skilled in martial arts, all members of the royal family had to learn some basics so that he wouldn't hold them back.
"Arrange three superior rooms."
He tossed a few loose silver coins onto the table, and the shopkeeper immediately smiled and opened his ledger to find them rooms.
"Oh dear, unfortunately, there are only two superior rooms left. Would you like to squeeze in?"
Mingyue and Shiqi had swords at their waists, clearly looking like they were not to be trifled with. The shopkeeper wiped the sweat from his brow, praying that this person was not one of those arrogant and domineering young masters.
"No rooms available? No problem, we'll squeeze in. We'll arrange for some good food to be brought up."
Long Zhaoming gestured with his chin toward the boss, clearly displaying the demeanor of a wealthy person, yet without causing offense, which put the boss at ease.
"Alright, all of you, please rest well. Good wine and food will be here shortly!"
He then instructed the waiter beside him to take the person upstairs, and happily picked up the loose silver and put it into his pocket.
"The three of you can make your own arrangements. I'll go and urge the kitchen to serve the dishes."
Long Zhaoming waved his hand, tossed a few copper coins to the waiter, who left happily.
"I'll share a room with Brother Yue."
Seventeen looked around and noticed that the room on the right was smaller and closer to the stairs.
Long Zhaoming nodded. He didn't care. Since that was the case, he would go and rest early.
They need to stay here for one night and wait for Xiao Mowen to arrive with the others. However, even if they arrive, they cannot meet each other. They can only feel at ease once they reach Jiangnan.
There was a first assassination attempt, and there's no guarantee there won't be a second one; no one dares to gamble on that possibility.
Seventeen carried the quilt out, and Mingyue, who was beside him, reached out to take it. He then said, "I'm afraid I'll have to make do with this tonight, Brother Yue."
Mingyue glanced down at Seventeen, then laid the quilt out on the bed. The two thick quilts were squeezed onto the wooden bed, which was obviously a bit cramped.
"It's alright, there's no time to be picky when you're out there."
Seventeen smiled and nodded. What Brother Yue said made sense. Besides, they were both men, so there was no need to be so reserved.
"Knock knock," someone knocked on the door from the outside. Seventeen hurriedly went to open the door, and Long Zhaoming was standing at the door, waving a fan.
"Your Highness?"
Long Zhaoming walked into the room, his gaze falling on the two quilts on the small bed, and a slight smile seemed to appear on his lips.
"Would you like to go for a walk together? We're quite a distance from Yejing now, and the local customs and culture are quite different."
Mingyue stepped forward from behind and said calmly, "As Your Highness wishes."
After hearing this, Seventeen nodded and replied, "Alright, Your Highness is in charge."
Long Zhaoming glanced at Mingyue's ordinary appearance, then stepped forward, put his arm around Seventeen's shoulder, and walked out.
Seventeen was somewhat confused. Why was His Highness suddenly being so affectionate towards her? Had she done something wrong?
"Don't be too reserved. Since you are the emperor's trusted bodyguard, we are all family. There are no outsiders here now. Being too formal will arouse suspicion."
Upon closer reflection, it does seem to make sense.
"Then how about Yue-ge and I leave the swords there?"
Long Zhaoming smiled and said, "No need. There are many martial arts practitioners coming and going here. It's not unusual for them to carry swords and knives."
The three strolled down the street, which was indeed much more bustling than the place they had visited the day before. People were still wearing thick winter clothes and were enthusiastically hawking their wares.
Their clothing differs from that of Yejing, but the difference is not significant, perhaps because they are relatively close to Yejing.
However, after wandering around for a while, Seventeen found that the local eating habits were not very similar to those in Yejing.
The food in Yejing is more like a fusion of cuisines from all over the country. This may be related to the fact that there are many officials from other places who have come to the capital through the imperial examinations. Although there are some Yejing delicacies in this town, the food is mainly noodles.
Seventeen picked and chose and bought some things to take home, mostly noodles. He wasn't picky; he thought they tasted good no matter what they were.
Long Zhaoming sat to the side with his eyes closed, resting. After riding horses all morning, his buttocks were starting to feel sore.
Mingyue and Shiqi sat on one side, sharing the pile of noodles. Just then, a waiter came over: "Oh, you three, I noticed you weren't here when the food was delivered. Shall we bring it to you now?"
It was only then that the three of them remembered that they had ordered food before checking in.
The waiter was quick and efficient, and soon brought out all the steaming hot food, which filled Seventeen's stomach.
He stood up and swayed to digest his food. Mingyue glanced at him and suddenly asked, "Have you grown taller?"
Seventeen was taken aback, and Long Zhaoming, who had been keeping his eyes closed, also opened his eyes and looked at Seventeen.
"Who? Me?"
Mingyue chuckled: "You're the youngest of the three of us."
Long Zhaoming jumped up from his chair and pulled Seventeen over to gesture: "Hey, it seems so. When I went back before the New Year, Seventeen wasn't here yet."
"Your Highness is right. Seventeen years old is still young, and it is the time when one's body is growing."
After speaking, Mingyue's gaze fell on the food on the table. Most of it was eaten by Seventeen alone. Children of this age can eat a lot and grow fast.
Seventeen scratched his head a little embarrassedly: "I guess so? I didn't pay much attention."
"I think Xiao Qi is only sixteen this year?"
Long Zhaoming stroked his chin and asked. Seventeen nodded, but then noticed that the other person's gaze changed and subtly fell on Mingyue beside him.
Mingyue remained unfazed, as if she had no idea what signal this person was sending her.
"Yes, Your Highness is very tall. I wonder if I will be as tall as Your Highness when I reach your age."
His tone was clearly envious, and Long Zhaoming laughed: "Maybe it's possible, but I'm still not as tall as my elder brother."
"Yes, His Majesty is indeed very tall and very heroic."
Hearing Seventeen's praise, Long Zhaoming's expression changed repeatedly, as if he was holding back some discomfort: "Seventeen, go outside and buy some more of these dumplings for me."
"Is Your Highness not full?"
"These dumplings are quite delicious."
Seventeen frowned, but still did as she was told and turned to go out to buy noodles.
"do what?"
"Hey, Little Seventeen is only sixteen?"
Mingyue gave him a puzzled look: "What's wrong with Sixteen?"
"No, sixteen! That's still so young!"
Long Zhaoming winked and frowned, while Mingyue was even more puzzled: "It is very small, but what does it have to do with me? His training in the camp was moderate and not very strict."
"Your Majesty, you... Oh, I understand, I understand, I understand."
Mingyue looked at Long Zhaoming, who seemed to have gone mad, and refrained from kicking him: "What's wrong with you? Explain yourself."
"It's nothing, I misunderstood before, hehe."
Long Zhaoming's explanation was quite reasonable, if you don't add that last interjection.
Mingyue had absolutely no idea what this person was thinking. He was always talking nonsense, and he'd been like that since he was little, and he was still like that now that he was an adult! Should she find a fortune teller to tell his story? Was he possessed by something?
"Ring ring—"
Suddenly, a bell rang outside. Mingyue paused and leaned against the window with Long Zhaoming to look out.
There seemed to be some commotion outside. A family was walking in the middle of the road, carrying a long stick with the bell that they had just heard hanging from the top.
As they walked, the sound of bells lingered in the distance, yet there was an inexplicable eeriness to it.
"Esteemed guests, you mustn't look at this."
Behind them, the shop assistant nervously knocked on the door and gave a frantic reminder.
"how?"
"This is a ritual to summon a soul. If a stranger sees it, the soul will be taken away."
The waiter spoke in a mysterious way, and Mingyue and Long Zhaoming naturally didn't believe him, but they still exchanged glances.
Long Zhaoming, being sensible, took out a few copper coins from his sleeve and tossed them to the shop assistant: "We're new here and don't understand these things. Can you explain what this is all about?"
A note from the author:
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Thank you everyone for your support!
★★★Next novel: "After Transmigrating into a Book, I Was Pampered by My Childhood Sweetheart"★★★
Childhood sweetheart, seemingly innocent yet secretly cunning and taciturn, x delicate, weak, and shy, please have mercy on me (reaching out).
Delicate and pampered type, the kind who expects everything to be done for him. Enter at your own risk if you don't like this.
As a perpetually unlucky guy who could choke on water and end up in the hospital while eating, Li Huai had only one thought in his mind when the out-of-control truck sped towards him: "Finally, I'm free."
But when he regained consciousness, his eyes were filled with despair: How come he didn't die again?
But soon he realized that this place didn't seem to be a hospital?
A group of people dressed in mismatched clothes around him were crying and shouting about something like "Young Master" or "Alliance Leader." The flood of memories squeezed Li Huai's already aching brain, and he fainted again.
When he woke up again, he understood his current situation: he had transmigrated and become the beloved, silly boy of the martial arts alliance leader.
Sha Geda was born an idiot. Although she was beautiful, she was physically weak and needed to be taken care of in everything, like a flawed flower grown in a greenhouse.
Li Huai wanted to continue feigning madness and not let others know that he had been given a new soul, but things didn't go as he wished.
Since waking up, his childhood friend and elder brother have visited him every day. Their cold eyes seem to see through Li Huai's disguise, and before he knew it, he had confessed everything.
Fortunately, his elder brother did not doubt his identity, but only thought that Li Huai had recovered from his illness.
Li Huai secretly breathed a sigh of relief, only to find himself surrounded by so many people.
In just a few words, Li Huai finally understood what they were talking about: that he was blessed with good fortune, and that even a trace of it would bring him a string of good luck, and so on...
Li Ze found it utterly absurd. How could such an incredibly unlucky person be the reincarnation of a lucky koi fish? These people must be out of their minds!
His good brother stood in front of him, keeping all the madmen outside the door. Li Huai was completely unaware of the bloodlust that flashed in his eyes. He only felt that the tall and straight figure was exceptionally handsome, and a flower seemed to quietly bloom in his heart.
"Good brother, I feel much better now, I can go out and play."
Li Huai held his elder brother's hand, swaying like a spoiled child, while Lu Ze'an looked at him with his gloomy black eyes. The fleeting madness seemed like an illusion, but upon closer inspection, only tenderness remained.
"Really? I think I heard Ah Huai calling out my brother's name last night... Then it seems Ah Huai is capable of..."
Li Huai's earlobes turned bright red. How could his deeply hidden secret be exposed by a few words he uttered in his sleep?
Lu Ze'an rolled his dark eyes, and when they landed on Li Huai's reddened neck, his madness intensified.
Delicate and beautiful flowers, yet fragile, should be kept indoors, allowing oneself to admire them day and night.
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