Chapter 96: Defeat the scheming boy and tease the sultry general (6)
Let’s not talk about the fact that Chu Heng ate Li Ziyan’s leftovers without any scruples, let’s talk about Chu Heng’s attitude towards Li Ziyan’s leftovers.
Chu Heng was born into a family of generals. He practiced martial arts at home since he was a child and went to the battlefield with his grandfather and father when he was a teenager. He had witnessed the ever-changing battlefield and how hard-won all victories were. He also knew the importance of food and fodder to soldiers and civilians. Therefore, whether in the imperial army or in his own private army, he had a discipline that he repeatedly emphasized, that is, no food was allowed to be wasted.
Of course, this naturally had no binding force on people of royal birth. Their birth and status destined them to find it difficult to do such a thing. However, Chu Heng did not get angry or annoyed, and he even ate with relish and looked concerned. This made them have to think deeply.
"Why does Your Highness eat so little? Is the food not to your liking?" Wen Zhu smiled, possessing the temperament and character of a scholar. However, her words inexplicably made Yun Le and Cai Wei feel uncomfortable. "Although the food in Taibai Tower is one of the best in the capital, it is indeed not as good as the delicacies in the palace. It really is unfair to Your Highness."
In reality, these words were meant to mock Li Ziyan's pampered upbringing and inability to empathize with the sufferings of the world, but his expression was incredibly sincere, and his tone was calm and clear, making it impossible to fault him. It was just that no one from the palace was dull-witted. Yunle and Caiwei could both tell something was amiss. Li Ziyan had experienced so many worlds, he was definitely not a fool.
He secretly guessed in his heart that the person in front of him might be an obstacle and opponent for him in the future.
"Ahem, Mr. Wen, you misunderstood. The food in this restaurant is indeed exquisite and tastes great. It's just that I just ate something, so I'm not that hungry right now." Li Ziyan spoke a little hurriedly, coughing a few times. He picked up the teacup, took a sip, and cleared his throat. "I'm so sorry, I'm not feeling well and I'm afraid I've spoiled everyone's fun."
"Your Highness, what are you talking about? It is our honor to have dinner with you." Chu Heng frowned instantly. Li Ziyan said this in a wronged tone, with a sigh at the end of his voice, like loss and regret, which made his heart inexplicably tighten, and he quickly spoke to comfort him.
Wen Zhu fell silent. Li Ziyan was a prince after all. If he spoke rashly, he might ruin things. But even though he didn't say anything, his eyes were fixed on Li Ziyan, studying his expression and his demeanor, and he snorted inwardly.
This prince was truly a little different. He was a grown man yet he chose to pretend to be weak. He glanced at Chu Heng, who was sitting next to him, and his heart sank slightly. He had a strong premonition that the relationship between Li Ziyan and Chu Heng was not that simple.
Because of the appearance of Wenzhu and Rong'en, Li Ziyan did not continue shopping. After shopping for the whole morning, he was a little tired, so he took Yuanle and Caiwei back to the palace. Chu Heng naturally escorted him back. Wenzhu also wanted to follow, but was stopped by Rong'en.
"What are you doing? That's the prince. You have to inform in advance when visiting the prince's palace. What's wrong with you today? You are always so irritable." Rong En frowned and looked at Wen Zhu in front of him. To be honest, although he did not have a flexible mind like the military advisor, he was very good at understanding people's hearts. He clearly felt that there were many things wrong with Wen Zhu today.
Wen Zhu was naturally aware of this, but his expression remained unchanged. He said, "I just think this is a bit strange. There's been no news about this Saint Prince, and he only returned to the court a few days ago. How could he be in contact with the general? The general holds important military and political power. I'm afraid..."
Wen Zhu didn't say what came next, but anyone with a little common sense could guess that he suspected Li Ziyan of having bad intentions and was probably thinking of rebelling.
"You're overthinking it. Nothing like that will happen. Okay, I have some military matters to attend to. I'll be leaving now. Remember to report tomorrow." With that, Rong En turned and left. He actually knew a little about Li Ziyan. He had spent a lot of time in the capital, and had interacted with various guard leaders. Naturally, he knew that this was a truly loyal prince, but there were some things that were not meant to be said, so he didn't specify them.
Elsewhere, Li Ziyan was safely escorted back to the palace. Fearing it was getting too late, Li Ziyan didn't invite Chu Heng to dinner. They exchanged a few more words before he watched Chu Heng leave.
"Your Highness, why did I feel something strange about that military advisor today?" Yun Le had always been childish. Although he was about the same age as Li Ziyan, he grew up in a much simpler environment than Li Ziyan. He was even closer to Li Ziyan and would talk to him whenever he had something to say. "I don't know what he meant by that, but I just think he's a strange person."
"There shouldn't be any other meaning. After all, he is a military advisor, and his words always have his own unique way." Li Ziyan didn't say it clearly, but just smiled. At present, Wen Zhu could not pose any threat to him. He would take it one step at a time in the future.
"What is Yunle talking to the prince about again?" Caiwei just entered the room and heard Yunle chattering there. After entering, she dismissed the other servants and hit Yunle on the head, "From now on, just say this in front of the prince and me, but don't say it outside."
"I know, I know. Aunt Caiwei, you're being ridiculous. I'm not stupid." Yunle pouted and rubbed the spot on his forehead where he was hit. He looked so embarrassed that Li Ziyan burst out laughing. Caiwei couldn't help laughing too. Seeing Li Ziyan laugh out loud, she laughed out loud too. "Your Highness, Aunt Caiwei, how can you two bully me? You only know how to laugh at me!"
"Ahem, alright, alright, stop making trouble and get some rest. You must be exhausted today."
"Oh, not tired, not tired. It's the prince who seems to be in good spirits today. How about we go out every day from now on?"
Li Ziyan sat on the bed and glanced at Yun Le who was taking off his shoes. His eyes sparkled, and the words "I want to go out" were almost written on his face. "Do you want me to go out and refresh myself, or do you want to go out and play yourself? You must still be thinking about the roast goose at the corner of the street, right?"
"..." Yun Le fell silent, his eyes cautious, "Prince, how come you know everything? Can't you give me some face?"
Caiwei and Li Ziyan smiled at each other, shook their heads helplessly, tapped Yunle's nose, packed up and went to bed to rest.
Lying on the bed, Li Ziyan thought about how he had interacted with He Chuheng today, and he always felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. It seemed as if there was a wonderful tacit understanding between the two of them that was slowly drawing them closer.
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