Chapter 44 Red Eagle 1 "Little Immortal Officer, what's wrong with you?"...
Zhu Jingchen brought Wen Fengxuan into the house. Everyone except Zhu Song stood up and saluted, "Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Wen Fengxuan said in a gentle voice, "No need to be so polite. I came here without an appointment today. I'm sorry to bother you."
Zhu Jingchen said tactfully, "Your Highness is too polite. It was thanks to your help that the case in Jizhou was closed so quickly. I should have hosted a banquet to thank you, but Zhu Song was not feeling well, so I didn't want to neglect your Highness."
Wen Fengxuan said, "Master Zhu has misinterpreted you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even be able to enter Jizhou, let alone solve the case. I only had a minor role in it, so I really can't take credit for it. I'm truly grateful that you spoke up for me in the Qinzheng Palace today, so I came to interrupt you to thank you in person."
Meng Xiaohe didn't look away from Wen Fengxuan the moment she saw him. Her admiration was so exaggerated that Wen Fengxuan felt a little uncomfortable. He said, "Excuse me, Madam Zhu."
Zhu Jingchen quickly nudged her, and Meng Xiaohe finally came to her senses and said, "Your Highness is too polite. Please take a seat."
Zhu Jingchen also said, "Stop standing, sit down."
All the extra chairs were removed, and the servant brought a chair and placed it right next to Zhu Song. Zhu Song felt embarrassed to lie down, so he sat up.
Wen Fengxuan said: "Since you are injured, you should lie down."
Zhu Song replied, "It's okay to sit for a while."
Wen Fengxuan didn't say anything else and everyone sat down.
Originally, no one had drunk alcohol out of consideration for Zhu Song, but now that Wen Fengxuan had arrived, they felt compelled to show some appreciation. Zhu Jingchen ordered the servants to fetch some wine, but Wen Fengxuan declined, saying, "I've been traveling so long, I'll be drunk if I drink."
Zhu Jingchen smiled and said, "Home-brewed rice wine, not too strong."
Zhu Song knew something was wrong when he heard these familiar words. Wen Fengxuan would become a different person if he drank too much, so he quickly advised, "Father, His Highness is not in good health and should not drink."
Zhu Jingchen said, "It won't hurt to just taste a little bit."
Wen Fengxuan agreed, "Then just taste a little."
Zhu Song winked at Zhu Jingchen. Wen Fengxuan saw it and whispered to him, "Don't worry, sir. I can still drink a little."
Zhu Song thought, of course I know you can drink a little.
"It's not advisable to drink alcohol after a long journey."
Soon the servants brought the wine. Zhu Jingchen poured a little for each person. Zhu Song quickly took the cup in front of Wen Fengxuan and said, "Your Highness, you should eat something first to fill your stomach so that you don't get a stomachache."
Wen Fengxuan cooperated very well, "Thank you for the reminder, sir."
Under Zhu Song's close supervision, three rounds of drinking had already been completed at the banquet, but Wen Fengxuan had not touched a drop of wine.
But the others were not so quick to react. The more they drank, the more talkative they became. Meng Xiaohe brought up the matter that had been on her mind the most recently. "Boss, let me tell you, by your age, other people would have children crawling all over the floor. Now you've finally come to your senses. Are there any girls in Jizhou that you're interested in?"
Zhu Song whispered to Wen Fengxuan, "My mother is like this when she drinks too much. Your Highness, please don't mind."
Wen Fengxuan leaned over and whispered, "I don't mind."
Before the whispers were finished, Meng Xiaohe continued, "Jizhou is a land of outstanding people and beautiful girls. If you really like one, I, your mother, will travel thousands of miles to propose marriage to you."
Zhu Song replied helplessly: "No, I'm so busy all day that I don't even have time to sleep, so how can I have time to see a girl?"
Meng Xiaohe was a little disappointed when she heard this, but she quickly recovered. "It doesn't matter if she doesn't have one. You're sure to like the Zhang family girl. I'll send her another invitation tomorrow, and you must go and see her this time."
Zhu Song frowned, looked at Gu Huaiyu and asked, "Why hasn't this issue been resolved yet?"
Gu Huaiyu shook his head, "I don't know."
Qu Zhoubai exposed his plan, "How come you don't know? Hasn't your aunt always wanted you to meet the Zhang family's daughter?"
Meng Xiaohe got anxious when she heard this, "Oh, I can't let you get there first, I'll go and submit the invitation now."
Zhu Song was helpless, "Mom, don't worry about it. A forced melon is not sweet."
Meng Xiaohe said, "No matter whether it's sweet or not, just twist it off first."
Zhu Song winked at Gu Huaiyu, who looked at Qu Zhoubai. Qu Zhoubai waved his hands repeatedly, "Don't look at me. My mother doesn't know about these things yet. Otherwise, I will definitely not be able to escape."
Zhu Song joked, "Then we need to notify them quickly, and then we can go and meet them together in three months."
Gu Huaiyu replied casually: "That's fine."
Qu Zhoubai hesitated for a moment, "Can we really be together?"
Zhu Lingye whispered, "Can you take me with you?"
Zhu Song said: "I have no objection."
Gu Huaiyu agreed: "I have no objection either."
Qu Zhoubai quickly said, "Then I have even less objection."
Zhu Lingye suggested, "How about going boating? The lotus flowers in the moat are blooming this season. It must be fun. I've been wanting to go for a long time."
Zhu Song laughed helplessly, "I can do anything."
Meng Xiaohe didn't understand them at all. "Are you kidding me? How can we do this together?"
Zhu Song said, "It's settled. If you want to go, then go together. Otherwise, I definitely won't go."
Meng Xiaohe asked, "What if he falls in love with Huaiyu?"
Zhu Song was eager to do so, but said nonchalantly, "Then just take a fancy to it, what else can I do?"
Qu Zhoubai was dissatisfied, "Why can't it be that he likes me?"
Meng Xiaohe said mercilessly: "You are not as pretty as Huaiyu."
Zhu Lingye said: "She is good-looking, so you must go there."
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire room fell silent. Everyone looked at Zhu Lingye. Zhu Lingye was drunk and hadn't realized what he had said yet. He kept emphasizing, "Isn't Your Highness the most beautiful?"
Zhu Song quickly changed the subject, "Ouch, the wound hurts, let me lie down."
Wen Fengxuan considerately went to support Zhu Song, and then took the opportunity to tap Zhu Song's arm three times. Zhu Song raised his eyebrows slightly, but Wen Fengxuan didn't even blink, as if he just touched him accidentally.
After helping Zhu Song lie down, Wen Fengxuan offered him a glass of wine and said, "Thank you, sir."
Zhu Song was about to get up when Wen Fengxuan stopped him. "Master, please rest. I won't disturb you any longer." He stood up and said, "Master Zhu, Madam Zhu, I'm sorry to bother you tonight. It's late. I'll go back now."
Zhu Jingchen said, "Your Highness, please do not blame me for the poor hospitality."
Wen Fengxuan said, "I hope you are polite."
Zhu Jingchen ordered Zhu Lingwang, "Lingwang, go see His Highness off."
When Zhu Lingwang saw Wen Fengxuan, he remembered the bloody scene that night. However, it was inappropriate to refuse him at this time, so he stood up, pulled Zhu Lingye, and whispered, "Come with me."
Zhu Lingye followed him and stood up. Zhu Jingchen was afraid that Zhu Lingye would say something he shouldn't say, so he said, "Lingye drank too much and offended His Highness."
"No need to see me off. Please stay. I'm leaving first." After saying this, Wen Fengxuan turned around and left.
Zhu Lingwang and Zhu Lingye were arguing with each other, but in the end, neither of them went to see Wen Fengxuan off.
After Wen Fengxuan left, Zhu Jingchen asked curiously, "Third brother, what's wrong with you?"
Zhu Lingwang recounted in detail what he had seen that night. Zhu Jingchen looked surprised and puzzled. "The prince looks so weak, but I didn't expect him to be so fierce when faced with difficulties."
Zhu Lingye echoed, "Yes, if it weren't for Your Highness, I would be gone."
When Meng Xiaohe heard this, she quickly clasped her hands together and said, "Oh, Amitabha, Amitabha, thank you for the Buddha's blessing."
Zhu Lingwang warned: "Your Highness is definitely not as simple as we see him. Be careful, don't let him sell you out and then charge you for it."
Zhu Song scolded him, "What are you talking about? He saved your brother's life. It's fine if you're not grateful, but why are you saying bad things about him behind his back?"
Zhu Lingye said, "Exactly. If it weren't for His Highness, you wouldn't even be able to attend the welcoming banquet now considering you've been unconscious all night."
Gu Huaiyu asked in surprise, "The Crown Prince has such miraculous medical skills that can bring people back to health?"
Zhu Lingye said, "Long illness makes one a doctor. The prince has been in poor health for over a decade, so isn't it normal for him to know some medical skills?"
Qu Zhoubai nodded, "I think Ling Ye is right. Although the prince is weak, it's not like he wants to die. He will definitely seek medical treatment actively. He will naturally learn after seeing more doctors."
Zhu Lingwang looked desperate. "Pulling out the tendons and tying them into knots, and squeezing the heart with bare hands, where else can I see this?"
Qu Zhoubai said, "Before the Crown Prince entered the Eastern Palace, he had been living in the Cold Palace. The Cold Palace is not a place for human beings to stay. Whatever they see is not surprising." He sighed and said, "Speaking of which, the Crown Prince is really pitiful. I don't know what he has been through at such a young age. He can do such bloody things without batting an eyelid."
Zhu Lingye agreed deeply with this. "That's right, second brother, you are prejudiced against the prince, just like me. You think the prince is ugly and you don't care about him."
Zhu Song didn't even want to explain this misunderstanding. "I'm sleepy. I'm going back to rest." After saying that, he asked the servant to help him back to the room.
Zhu Song had already left, but Gu Huaiyu was still asking Zhu Lingye, "Your brother actually thinks the prince is ugly?"
Zhu Lingye replied: "That's not true. The prince is actually very sad about this."
Speaking of this, Meng Xiaohe was no longer in a hurry to go to Zhang's house to deliver the invitation. She asked curiously, "Tell me what's going on."
Since there was nothing else to do, Zhu Lingye started talking, "It's all Song Shunran. He doesn't do any work at all, just showing off. The prince helps my brother with his work, and Song Shunran bullies him when he can't stand it. My brother didn't even help the prince."
Meng Xiaohe became even more excited. "How exactly did you bully me?"
Zhu Lingye said, "We were leaving the city to investigate, but Song Shunran wouldn't let the Crown Prince use a horse. I told him that the Crown Prince wasn't in good health and couldn't ride a horse himself, so I suggested that my brother ride with the Crown Prince. My brother flatly refused, leaving the Crown Prince behind and walking away. Later, when we came back, Song Shunran was bothering the Crown Prince again, but my brother didn't intervene."
Meng Xiaohe nodded and guessed seriously, "It seems that the boss doesn't like weak looks. Oh no, the Zhang family's girls are weak and frail. It seems that we need to change the candidate."
Zhu Jingchen couldn't listen any longer and yawned, "You guys chat, I'm going back to sleep."
Zhu Lingwang said: "I'm going back too."
Meng Xiaohe's eyes were sharp. "Don't worry about them. Let's continue talking."
As the night deepened, a gentle breeze blew and the laughter and chatter continued until midnight.
Just after midnight, Zhu Song, who should have been asleep, suddenly opened his eyes. He covered his wound with his hands, got up, put on a black cloak and went out. As soon as he went out, he ran into Zhu Lingye who had gotten up to go to the bathroom. Zhu Lingye had drunk a little too much and his mind was a little foggy. When he saw Zhu Song, he was stunned for a moment.
"Brother, are you okay?"
Zhu Song lied to him, "I got up at night."
After saying that, he left, and Zhu Lingye followed him, "I'm going too, let's go together."
Zhu Song rejected him, "No need."
Zhu Lingye insisted on following him, and Zhu Song couldn't get away, so he had to tell him the truth: "I have an appointment with His Highness."
Zhu Lingye became even more excited when he heard this, "I want to go too."
Zhu Song didn't want to take him with him, "I have an appointment with His Highness, why are you going to do it?"
Zhu Lingye's mind was working faster now, "I'll cover for you."
Zhu Song reluctantly agreed. As soon as the two of them left the house, Xie Ningyuan came out from the dark. He was so elusive that even Zhu Song couldn't see where he came from.
"Master Zhu, please get in the car."
Zhu Lingye helped Zhu Song get on the carriage prepared by Xie Ningyuan. After walking for a while, Zhu Song found that this was not the way to the East Palace, but he did not ask.
After about an incense stick of time, the carriage stopped and Xie Ningyuan said from outside, "We're here."
Zhu Song came out and saw Xuanyin Pavilion.
It was already late at night, and even the bustling Xuanyin Pavilion was now filled with only occasional voices, but the lobby was deserted. Following Xie Ningyuan up to the second floor, Zhu Song opened the door and saw Wen Fengxuan sitting alone at the table, his face normal and his eyes as cold as usual.
Zhu Song secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing Zhu Song, Wen Fengxuan stood up to greet him, "Sir."
Zhu Song and Zhu Lingye said, "Wait for me outside the door."
Xie Ningyuan said, "Master Zhu, please go next door and have a cup of tea."
Zhu Lingye was not very happy, "Is there anything you say that I cannot bear to hear?"
Zhu Chan said: "It's always important."
Zhu Lingye was even more unhappy, "Don't you dislike His Highness? You..."
Zhu Song straightened his tone and said, "Alright, how many times do you have to repeat this over and over again?"
Seeing that Zhu Song was angry, Zhu Lingye dejectedly went to the next room with Xie Ningyuan.
Wen Fengxuan extended his hand to support Zhu Song, who didn't hesitate to say, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Wen Fengxuan helped Zhu Song onto the small couch and sat beside him. Zhu Song was not comfortable enough to lie down, so he leaned on the armrest of the couch.
"I wonder what your highness wants me to do?"
Wen Fengxuan said: "I want to leave the capital with you."
Zhu Song was so frightened that he almost sat up from the couch. He suspected that he had misheard and repeated himself, "Your Highness, are you saying that you want to leave the capital with me?"
Wen Fengxuan nodded, which made Zhu Song sure that he had heard correctly. But after thinking about it, he understood what Wen Fengxuan meant, "Your Highness, if I find Su Li, I will definitely bring him back."
Wen Fengxuan said bluntly: "My Lord, don't lie to me. I know you didn't leave the capital to look for Su Li."
Zhu Song was stunned for a moment, thinking back to his time with Wen Fengxuan today. He had no place to spill the beans. So, he said, "I don't know why Your Highness misunderstood, but I did leave the capital to look for Su Li. Your Highness also knows that my chest wound is very serious, and it will be unsightly even after it heals. I don't have big ambitions, but I've loved beauty since I was a child, and I simply can't accept having such an unsightly scar on my body."
Wen Fengxuan didn't respond and said to himself, "You need to check Yi Kangning."
Zhu Song flatly denied it, "Your Highness has misunderstood. The case is closed, Yi Kangning is dead, and this matter is completely over. It is impossible to investigate further."
Wen Fengxuan changed his words, but his tone became more distant. "It seems I really misunderstood. It's late at night. I'll take you back."
Zhu Song didn't dare to let him send him off, so he waved his hand quickly and said, "Thank you, Your Highness, but Ling Ye came with me, so he can go back by himself."
Wen Fengxuan didn't say much, but supported Zhu Song and knocked on the door next door. Zhu Lingye was feeling depressed, and when he heard the knock, he ran over and opened the door. He was very surprised to see them, "You finished so soon?"
Zhu Song nodded, "Well, let's go back."
"oh."
Zhu Lingye supported Zhu Song and was about to leave. Zhu Song looked at Wen Fengxuan and asked, "Your Highness, aren't you going back?"
Wen Fengxuan said, "Sir, please go first. I left something behind. Take it and leave."
Zhu Song nodded, and Xie Ningyuan said, "Your Excellency, please go ahead. I will go get something for His Highness."
Zhu Song had no doubts and said, "I'll have someone send the carriage back to the East Palace tomorrow."
Wen Fengxuan nodded and returned to his room, followed closely by Xie Ningyuan. Zhu Song and Zhu Lingye went downstairs.
After leaving Xuanyin Pavilion, Zhu Lingye asked curiously, "Brother, what did His Highness say to you?"
Zhu Song said, "Nothing. He just thought I was going to check on Yi Kangning and wanted to go with me, but I fooled him."
Zhu Lingye was very surprised, "Why would Your Highness think so?"
Zhu Song shook his head, indicating he didn't know. Zhu Lingye ignored all that and praised him sincerely, "Your Highness is truly clever."
Zhu Song glanced at him with a look of disgust. Zhu Lingye saw it but didn't care. After all, it was normal for Zhu Song to dislike the prince and not be able to hear people praising him.
Zhu Song had just gotten into the carriage and Zhu Lingye hadn't even left when they heard a series of hurried footsteps. The next moment, Xie Ningyuan's urgent voice rang out, "Master Zhu, please stay."
Zhu Song lifted the curtain and looked over. Xie Ningyuan's face appeared outside the window, his expression anxious. "Master Zhu, His Highness is drunk and a little unwell. Could you please go up and take a look at him?"
Zhu Lingye took over and said, "What's wrong with you? My brother can't treat illnesses, so I'll go."
Zhu Song said, "Ling Ye, stop messing around. I'll go up and take a look. You go home first."
Zhu Lingye didn't understand why he was so crazy, and, "What will you do if I go back?"
Zhu Song said: "I have my own way."
Zhu Lingye helped Zhu Song get off the carriage again. Seeing that Zhu Song couldn't even walk comfortably, he was very puzzled. "What can you do?"
Zhu Song said: "Don't worry about it, just do as I say."
It was at this time that Zhu Lingye remembered that Zhu Song had said that he had poisoned Wen Fengxuan, but because Xie Ningyuan was present, he did not dare to ask, so he could only listen to Zhu Song's words and go back first.
Xie Ningyuan helped Zhu Song up the stairs quickly. During this time, Zhu Song asked, "Did you know that the prince can't drink alcohol?"
Xie Ningyuan replied, "I know, but His Highness was in a bad mood tonight, and I didn't keep an eye on him, so I poured a pot of wine."
Zhu Song frowned when he heard this. What's the point of drinking a whole pot of wine?
Zhu Song then asked, "How many people know about this?"
Xie Ningyuan replied, "In the East Palace, only Li Qiutong and I know about it."
As they were talking, they had already gone upstairs. As soon as Xie Ningyuan opened the door, he heard Wen Fengxuan's angry voice, "Get out."
Xie Ningyuan took the opportunity to explain, "His Highness never lets anyone get close to him when he's drunk, except you. If we weren't outside, I wouldn't dare trouble you."
"It's okay, go ahead."
Xie Ningyuan said, "I'm right next door, please call me anytime, sir."
"Um."
Zhu Song entered the room, and Xie Ningyuan closed the door and left. Perhaps hearing the footsteps, Wen Fengxuan shouted again, "I told you not to come over here."
He had his back to Zhu Song and his head resting on the table, looking extremely pitiful.
Zhu Song leaned against the door and said softly, "Fu Yue."
Wen Fengxuan was stunned for a moment, then turned around hurriedly. The moment he saw Zhu Song, his eyes lit up, "Little Immortal Official."
Zhu Song looked at his lively expression and couldn't help laughing, "Come and help me."
Wen Fengxuan stood up and ran towards him quickly, his steps leaping with joy. He reached out to support him, and Zhu Song fell on his shoulder. Wen Fengxuan hugged his shoulders affectionately and asked with concern, "Little Immortal Official, what's wrong with you?"
Zhu Song wanted to tease him, "Yeah, I got injured while subduing the demon."
"Ah?" Wen Fengxuan helped Zhu Song lie down on the bed and looked him up and down. "Where are you hurt?"
Zhu Song pointed to his heart and said, "Here."
Wen Fengxuan's gaze fell on his heart, his beautiful eyes full of worry, "Let me see."
Zhu Song laughed, "It's wrapped with a piece of cloth, so it can't be seen."
Wen Fengxuan bit his lip and stared at him without saying a word. The white tips of his teeth were visible between his rosy lips. Zhu Song was at his wit's end. "Okay, okay, look, I'll take off the cloth and show you, okay? Don't be unhappy."
Wen Fengxuan still didn't say anything, but his expression was obviously happy. Zhu Song was amused by him, "I don't want to move, can you watch it yourself?"
"Okay then." Zhu Song laughed even more happily after hearing Wen Fengxuan's slightly reluctant words.
Wen Fengxuan climbed onto the bed and sat down next to Zhu Song. He reached out and untied the ties on Zhu Song's clothes. Summer clothes were thin, so a gentle pull revealed his chest, which was wrapped in thick cloth strips, almost covering his entire upper body. Without blinking, tears welled up in his eyes. He stretched out his hand, hovering in the air as if wanting to touch him, but he didn't let it fall. "Why are you so badly injured?"
Zhu Song held his hand that was hanging in the air and comforted him, "It only looks serious, but there are no broken bones. It will be healed soon."
Wen Fengxuan childishly scratched his palm and said, "Don't go to subdue demons next time."
Zhu Song pursed his lips and chuckled, "Okay, I won't go there again."
But Wen Fengxuan still looked unhappy, so Zhu Song said, "I'm really fine."
Wen Fengxuan raised his eyes to look at him, his tone a little sad, "It would be great if we could be together every day."
Zhu Song noticed something was wrong with him and asked gently, "What's wrong?"
"I don't know either. I just feel heavy inside and feel very uncomfortable." Wen Fengxuan said as he took Zhu Song's hand and placed it on his chest. "Look, is there a rock pressing on you?"
Zhu Song understood and he sighed, "Just get some sleep and everything will be fine. When you wake up tomorrow, Fu Yue's wish will come true."
Wen Fengxuan blinked his bright eyes and asked expectantly, "Really?"
Zhu Song nodded, "Really."
Wen Fengxuan restrained his expression and said, "But I don't want to sleep. If I sleep, I won't be able to see you."
Zhu Song said: "Then you watch me sleep."
"good."
Zhu Song smiled at him and closed his eyes. He felt Wen Fengxuan's gaze on his face. After a while, Wen Fengxuan leaned close to his ear and whispered, "Hei Xiaobao."
The breath was slightly sweet and the voice was tender, like coaxing a child. Zhu Song held back and did not respond. Then he felt Wen Fengxuan lying down next to him. He didn't know how long it had been before the gaze on his face disappeared. Zhu Song opened his eyes and looked at the person so close to him for a long, long time.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
