Chapter 26
Every autumn rain brings a chill, and the rain vapor takes away the last bit of summer heat. It rained in front of the hall. There was a large water vat in the hall. The rain hit the water surface, and the rustling sound was endless.
Hua Lu passed by the study and saw that the window was open and the light was on inside. She thought it was the young master reading in the study, but when she walked in, she found that the person working at the table was actually her eldest young master.
Hua Lu confirmed again and again, wiped her eyes several times, and made sure that she was not mistaken, and asked: "Master, what are you doing in the study?"
The eldest young master only comes to the study when he wants to annoy the young master, but the young master is not here now.
Lu Wancheng said helplessly, "I'm solving a problem."
"Do the questions?" Hua Lu came forward to take a look. There was a mess on the paper and she couldn't understand it anyway. She reached out to close the window, but Lu Wancheng stopped her: "I feel dizzy, I want to get some fresh air."
"No, Master." Hualu closed the window forcefully, "Master said you can't blow the cold wind now."
Lu Wancheng threw away his pen and collapsed in his wheelchair: "I have a headache, I'm so tired, so annoyed, I don't want to think anymore."
He had been thinking seriously for half an hour. The high-intensity mental work was really exhausting. It reminded him of the miserable days when he was in school and spent time to perfunctorily do his homework even though he clearly hated studying.
Hualu considerately put away the writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone and said, "If you are tired, go to sleep for a while."
Lu Wancheng looked out the window. The sky was full of cloudy clouds and the autumn rain was drizzling. It was indeed the best weather for sleeping. He had been working diligently for half an hour and it was time to lie down.
Lin Qingyu had just finished taking a shower and changed into her underwear when she heard the door creak open and a damp, cold breeze blew in. Lin Qingyu turned around, met the eyes of the person who came, and said calmly: "I'm back." His long hair was only half dried and hung down in front of his chest, soaking his inner clothes. In order to ensure close-fitting and comfortable, the inner garments are all made of silk, which is easily permeable when exposed to water.
Although Lin Qingyu was forced to marry, she was only eighteen years old after all. Her figure was much slimmer and more youthful than that of an adult man in his twenties or thirties. Her spotless body was faintly visible under the semi-transparent silk.
Lu Wancheng was slightly startled, then looked away and said, "Why are you taking a bath in broad daylight?"
Lin Qingyu also knew that his current attire was not very formal. He was a little uncomfortable at first, but seeing that Lu Wancheng was even more uncomfortable than him, he felt more comfortable: "Does the Marquis' Mansion have a rule that says we can't bathe during the day?"
"No, but it's easy for people to see you taking a shower during the day." Lu Wancheng teased in a rather frivolous manner, "Look, I saw you. Are you angry?"
Lin Qingyu became calmer: "I'm not angry. You and I are both men, and we are sworn brothers. I don't mind."
Lu Wancheng covered his chest and said, "If you mention the word 'brotherhood' again, I will spit blood in front of you."
Lin Qingyu's eyes flashed. With Lu Wancheng's current physical condition, if he reaches the point of vomiting blood, it would be time to prepare for his funeral.
"Okay, let's not talk about it."
Lu Wancheng immediately looked flattered. Seeing that he looked unwell, Lin Qingyu helped him onto the bed and took his pulse. "You don't seem to be sleeping well lately?"
"Isn't that a cough? It would be strange if you could sleep well."
Lin Qingyu saw through it but didn't expose it. He just said, "People who have been ill for a long time should not worry. Wan Cheng, no matter what it is, you have to relax."
Lu Wancheng smiled and said, "I'll try my best."
After the autumn rain, the sky became clear and the air became fresh, and Lu Wancheng's health improved slightly. The Lu family's branch had lived in the Nan'an Marquis' Mansion for half a month and was finally leaving. Lu Baishuo came to Lanfeng Pavilion specifically to bid farewell to the two of them, saying that they would leave for Lin'an tomorrow.
Lu Baishuo was quite touched. When he came to stay at the Nan'an Marquis' Mansion last year, Lu Wancheng was not so ill and would invite him out for fun from time to time. Before leaving, he practiced Buddhism in Jinxiuxuan, the most famous hotel in Beijing.
Jinxiuxuan is a building outside a building on the bank of a river. Its signboard with the words "Hun Yang Mei Hu" astonished Lu Baishuo, who had just arrived in the capital. After Lu Baishuo returned to Lin'an, he searched everywhere for a northern chef, hoping to recreate the dish of Hun Yang Mo Hu, but the taste was always a little off.
Lu Wancheng found it funny: "Sixth brother has the words 'invite me to Jinxiuxuan quickly' written on his face."
Lu Baishuo said ashamedly, "No, no, I just said it casually. But to be honest, I did go to Jinxiuxuan yesterday, but the waiter told me that the private room had been booked for three days later. Alas, this is worthy of being under the feet of the emperor, I should have gone earlier."
Lin Qingyu asked: "Did you say you were a guest of Nan'an Marquis's Mansion?"
"That's not the case." Lu Baishuo was surprised. "We're just having a meal. Do you need to introduce yourself?"
Lin Qingyu said, "There are powerful people everywhere under the emperor's feet, and it is common to flatter the powerful and trample on the weak, especially in places like Jinxiuxuan where dignitaries gather. If you really want to go, you can let the young marquis accompany you."
Lu Baishuo looked at Lu Wancheng expectantly: "Is it okay? Wancheng's body..."
Lin Qingyu said: "Just take good care of him." Lu Wancheng has been obviously more worried recently, which is not conducive to his recovery. It would be nice for him to go out and relax.
Another thing is, if Lu Wancheng doesn’t go out now, he might... never have another chance to go out and relax.
Lu Wancheng thought about it and asked with a smile: "Qingyu, have we never gone out together before?"
Lin Qingyu nodded. After marriage, he only went out with Lu Wancheng twice. One time was going back to Lin Mansion, and the other time was going to Changsheng Temple, both times riding in a carriage. He hadn't seen the prosperity of the capital for a long time.
"Then let's go to Jinxiuxuan for dinner together? And pack a portion of Hunyangmohu for Sixth Brother."
"Can."
Lu Baishuo thanked the two of them, but he always felt that something was not right.
Lin Qingyu pushed Lu Wancheng out of the door, and brought Huantong and several guards from the Marquis' Mansion with him. Arriving at the intersection of Yongxing Street, Lin Qingyu stopped the carriage and said, "It's not far from Jinxiuxuan. Let's walk over there."
Lu Wancheng said: "But walking is tiring."
Lin Qingyu was speechless: "Let you go?"
"I'm just afraid that you'll get tired of pushing me."
Lin Qingyu paused and said, "Not bad." No matter how tired he was, it would only last two or three months.
Lu Wancheng chuckled and said, "Qingyu, you've been so gentle lately. I'm almost not used to it."
Lin Qingyu said calmly: "I am not used to your silence lately."
Lu Wancheng was silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "Do I have any?"
Lin Qingyu said nothing and pushed Lu Wancheng into the crowd.
It was still early for dinner, and signs were hung high in front of each shop, and the cries of hawkers could be heard one after another. Among the passers-by, there were both ordinary people and many wealthy people in fancy clothes. Anyone who saw a fairy-like beauty pushing a nobleman in a wheelchair walking on the street could not help but look back a few more times.
Fortunately, both of them were used to being the focus of the crowd and didn't think anything of it. Huan Tong took a deep breath and said, "Master, do you smell the aroma of roasted chestnuts?"
Lin Qingyu said: "If you want to eat, go buy it."
Huan Tong said happily: "I'll go right away!"
Lu Wancheng also moved his nose: "Why don't I smell it?"
It is common for people with serious illnesses to experience a loss of their five senses. Lin Qingyu hesitated for a moment and said, "Let's go over there and take a look."
The two came to a stall. The stall sells a wide variety of jewelry. Although the materials are cheap, the styles are diverse, including some novel and special pieces, including jade crowns and hairpins for men to tie their hair. Lu Wancheng thought Lin Qingyu wanted to buy a jade crown, so he carefully helped him choose two. Lin Qingyu ignored him, picked up a women's hairpin, weighed it carefully and paid for it.
Lu Wancheng asked: "Are you going to give this to your mother-in-law?"
"No, it's for you."
"Send it to me?"
"The hairpin is about the same length as the pen. If you want to spin a pen in the future, spin this one. I don't want to be woken up in the middle of the night and have to change clothes."
Lu Wancheng took the hairpin with a smile, and actually turned it around in his hand, teasing: "No matter how gentle Doctor Lin is, he still remembers his hatred so clearly."
A few of them walked around and arrived at Jinxiuxuan. When the store owner learned that they were the young master and young prince of the Nan'an Marquis's Mansion, he immediately ordered someone to take them to a private room and sit down.
Jinxiuxuan has two floors, and the best location is by the window on the second floor. Outside, you can see the river view, and inside, you face the stage. On the stage, three or two actors were playing the piano. The sound of the piano is clear, deep and distant, and the woman playing the piano is also elegant and graceful.
Huantong listened with great interest and looked at the girl with even greater interest. He asked Lin Qingyu: "Master, who do you think is prettier, the girl in blue or the one in pink?"
Lu Wancheng thought that Lin Qingyu would not answer such a boring question, but unexpectedly, Lin Qingyu said, "All good."
Lu Wancheng: “…”
Seeing Lu Wancheng's complicated expression, Lin Qingyu asked, "What's wrong?"
"It's okay." Lu Wancheng said faintly, "I almost forgot that you like girls."
Lin Qingyu said: "What does this have to do with good men and good women? Everyone has a heart of appreciation."
Lu Wancheng raised his eyebrows: "Then let's get closer to appreciate it?"
"Okay." Lin Qingyu wasn't interested, but since Lu Wancheng wanted to see it, it was okay to take a look. He pushed Lu Wancheng out of the private room and stood beside the fence.
As he stood there, the guests on the second floor stopped listening to the music and the girls stopped looking at him, and they all looked at him. Fortunately, they also knew that the guests on the second floor were either rich or noble, so they didn't dare to look at them blatantly. Sitting opposite the two of them was a man in black clothes. Lin Qingyu met his gaze and his eyes instantly became sharp.
Lu Wancheng followed his gaze and asked, "Who is that?"
"Prince."
Lu Wancheng's lazy eyes suddenly opened.
The crown prince's name is Xiao Cheng, and he is the eldest son of the current emperor. Your Majesty, like the Marquis of Nan'an, has a poor chance of having offspring. Even though he has three thousand concubines in his harem, only a handful of princes grew up safely. After much wait, the queen finally became pregnant and gave birth to a son, but unexpectedly, she gave birth to a moron. However, no matter how few princes there are, the struggle for the throne is inevitable. After years of planning, Xiao Cheng and his mother finally became the biggest winner and moved into the Eastern Palace three years ago.
Xiao Cheng looked at Lin Qingyu unconcealedly, with the corners of his mouth curled up, showing great interest. He just looked at Lin Qingyu, picked up the wine glass and took a sip of wine, then called the guards and instructed them something.
Lin Qingyu retracted his gaze and said, "Let's go in."
Lu Wancheng said: "No hurry, we will just watch him pretend quietly."
The guard held the wine glass that Xiao Cheng had used, walked around and came to the two of them, saying, "Greetings to the young marquis, Young Master Lin. This glass of wine was given to you by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and I hope you will accept it."
Lin Qingyu glanced at the wine glass and felt that his eyes were dirty: "No need to accept it, I don't drink."
The guard's expression changed, and he said, "Mr. Lin, forgive me for being blunt, but whose wine do you think you are refusing?"
"Of course it's the prince's wine." Lu Wancheng sneered, "Could it be the wine of the gods?"
The guard's expression became increasingly grim: "Young Marquis and Young Master really want to reject your Highness's kindness?"
Lu Wancheng laughed, and that laughter made people feel cold all over: "Go back and tell the prince that Princess Jingchun has been married to the northern border for three years."
Princess Jingchun?
Lin Qingyu remembered this name. Princess Jingchun was originally a maid in the Shangyi Bureau. Because of her beautiful appearance and bright eyes, she was noticed by the King of the North who came from afar three years ago. The King of the Northern Territory fell in love with Jingchun at first sight and immediately asked the Emperor to marry her.
The northern border is a frontier tribe, and has been in constant conflict with our dynasty for many years. In order to maintain stability on the border, the emperor personally granted the marriage, named Jingchun a princess, and betrothed her to the King of the Northern Territory. He even let the crown prince preside over their wedding ceremony to show his sincerity.
——Why did Lu Wancheng mention this person in front of the prince?
The guard had no choice but to go back and deliver the message. Upon hearing this, Xiao Cheng suddenly raised his head and stared at Lu Wancheng's face, trying to find some clues from it. But no matter how he looked, he could only see a useless sickly person with a smile on his face.
When they returned to the private room, Huan Tong said anxiously, "Young Marquis, Young Master, that's the Crown Prince... the future Emperor. If we offend him like this, will he chop off our heads in the future?"
Lu Wancheng tried to scare him: "It's very possible. But by then I will have been buried in the ground, and the beheading will not be on me."
Huan Tong was almost scared to tears: "Young Marquis..."
Lin Qingyu suddenly said: "Indeed. So you don't have to worry about this matter."
Lu Wancheng was silent for a moment, then said lazily, "Okay, I'll listen to Doctor Lin."
After this incident, the two of them no longer had the heart to play. They had a quick dinner and returned home with a portion of Hun Yang Mo Hu. After staying outside for half a day, Lu Wancheng was already exhausted. After washing up, he lay down on the bed to rest.
It was still early and Lin Qingyu didn't feel sleepy, so he went to the study. He has recently developed a great interest in spices and has been trying to recreate the incense he smelled in Fengyi Palace that day.
At some point, it started raining outside again. In the heavy rain at night, Lin Qingyu suddenly saw a figure outside the window.
Lin Qingyu pushed open the window and saw Lu Wancheng wearing a cloak, holding on to the window coffin, with his long hair scattered and breathing rapidly, as if he had used a lot of effort to walk all the way here from the bedroom.
Lin Qingyu was stunned: "Why...where are the servants?"
Lu Wancheng answered irrelevantly: "I can't do it."
"What?"
"I can ignore other things, and I am too lazy to care about them. But I can't help but worry about this matter." Lu Wancheng looked at him and said in a deep voice, "You were born to be a mountain. Even if you have done all kinds of evil things, I will never let you become a weed."
Lin Qingyu opened his eyes wide.
The cold air invaded his body and Lu Wancheng began to cough heart-wrenchingly. As if he could no longer stand, he slowly slid down the wall. Lin Qingyu walked out of the study quickly and used his body to shield him from the wind and rain: "Stop talking, go back to your room first."
Lu Wancheng grabbed his arms and murmured, "So for this problem, I must find the best solution once and for all."
Lin Qingyu remained silent. He had never seen Lu Wancheng like this before. He seemed to be entangled in shackles that could not be broken off. He was completely different from the young man who was leisurely and whistling in the corridor that day.
He always thought Lu Wancheng was too lazy, too careless, and didn't care about anything. But now, he actually hopes that Lu Wancheng can spend the last moments of his life as heartlessly as he did in the past.
After an unknown amount of time, Lu Wancheng's hand suddenly tightened and he broke the silence: "Qingyu."
Lin Qingyu said: "I'm here."
"I think," Lu Wancheng's eyes were dark, sharp and deep, but he was a patient after all, his face was pale, his mouth was filled with blood, and his lips were as red as blood, "... to kill Xiao Cheng."
Lin Qingyu's chest felt slightly hot. He held Lu Wancheng's trembling wrist with his backhand and said gently, "Well, do you need help?"
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