Peacock spreading its tail feathers
Liu Jinhuai specially chose a dark blue brocade robe with cloud patterns embroidered on it, tied his hair with a jade crown, and the jade pendant hanging from his waist was warm and shiny.
He stood in front of the mirror, carefully examining the handsome, arrogant, and aristocratic young master reflected in it, before nodding in satisfaction.
He not only had to welcome Yu Mobai, but also had to show him the dignity and grandeur that he should have in this center of power.
Liu Jinhuai personally led a group of well-dressed Liu family servants out of the city on horseback to wait for him at a pavilion in the suburbs.
As the familiar carriage, dusty with the dust of Yancheng, slowly approached, Liu Huaijin felt his heart begin to beat faster uncontrollably.
The carriage came to a stop, and the driver put down the footrest.
A hand with distinct knuckles and slightly pale skin lifted the carriage curtain from the inside.
The next moment, Yu Mobai bent down and leaned out.
The sunlight in the suburbs suddenly brightened, clearly illuminating his face. It was still that pleasing, handsome face, with curved eyebrows and eyes, as if he was born with a hint of a smile.
However, he seemed somewhat different from when he was in Yancheng. Perhaps due to the fatigue of the journey, there were faint shadows under his eyes, which only made his eyes appear exceptionally bright and lively, like obsidian immersed in autumn water.
Yu Mobai looked up and stared intently at Liu Huaijin, who was dressed smartly on horseback, with a half-smile.
His gaze held a blend of the joy of a long-awaited reunion, a hint of barely perceptible weariness, and an indescribable, penetrating power that seemed capable of easily dismantling any feigned defenses.
Liu Huaijin's breath hitched, feeling as if his soul had been gripped by that one glance, and all the reserved words he had prepared beforehand vanished in an instant.
Liu Jinhuai coughed lightly, deftly dismounted, and tried his best to maintain a calm tone.
"You must be tired from the journey."
Yu Mobai's lips curved into a perfectly shaped arc, his voice slightly hoarse from the journey, yet still clear and melodious.
"I am deeply grateful for Brother Huaijin's personal welcome; I am unworthy of such an honor."
Liu Huaijin said no more and gestured to a very spacious and luxurious carriage behind him.
"Change to my carriage. Tea and refreshments have been prepared to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey."
The two boarded Liu Huaijin's carriage, which was indeed very spacious, with soft carpets and exquisite tea sets and several delicious-looking pastries on a small table.
As soon as he sat down, Yu Mobai picked up the teapot with remarkable ease, scalding the cups, pouring water, and filtering the tea with fluid movements. He then gently pushed a cup of fragrant hot tea in front of Liu Huaijin, as if it were an action the two of them had performed countless times before.
"Brother Huaijin, please have some tea."
Liu Huaijin took the cup, his fingertips touching the slightly warm rim. The restlessness he felt from waiting seemed to be soothed by the comforting touch.
The two chatted amiably along the way. Yu Mobai seemed to be well-informed about the recent events, both big and small, in the central district. His insightful remarks and occasional sharp comments surprised Liu Huaijin and earned him even more admiration.
He discovered that his friend from the "border town" was far more insightful than he had imagined.
The carriage drove straight into the magnificent Liu Mansion.
Liu Huaijin eagerly led Yu Mobo to his study, clearly intending to show him off.
His study was decorated in a very elegant style, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on all four walls, filled with rare and ancient books, and antiques displayed on the curio shelves. The air was filled with the faint scent of ink and sandalwood.
Liu Huaihuai looked around at his "treasure trove" with a bit of pride. Wanting to show off his talent, he pointed to a rare orchid in front of the window and began to recite a poem about orchids that was quite appropriate for the occasion. The poem was ornate and full of classical allusions.
However, Yu Mobai's gaze seemed to be drawn to a small archery target hanging on the other side of the study wall.
He took a few steps closer out of curiosity and exclaimed in admiration.
"Brother Huaijin actually has such a thing in his study? He truly embodies both literary and martial arts prowess."
Liu Huaijin was secretly pleased to see that he had noticed this, as this was something he was good at.
He feigned nonchalance, casually taking a small steel throwing knife from the pen holder—a tool he usually used for cutting paper and more for decoration than practical use—and deftly twirling it between his fingers.
"Just a little trick for when I have nothing better to do."
Before he finished speaking, he seemingly casually flicked his wrist—and the throwing knife transformed into a streak of cold light, grazing the edge of Yu Mobai's cheek as he turned to look at the bullseye.
With a "whoosh," it pierced the bullseye with unparalleled precision! The breeze stirred by the blade even ruffled a few strands of hair on Yu Mobai's forehead.
Yu Mobai's eyes widened suddenly, and he subconsciously took half a step back. His face instantly drained of color, revealing his lingering shock.
He raised his hand to touch his cheek, which had been brushed by the strong wind, and looked at Liu Huaijin in disbelief.
Liu Huaijin took in his reaction, and a feeling of indescribable satisfaction and a mischievous smugness welled up inside him.
He enjoyed seeing Yu Mobai lose his composure because of him, which gave him a sense of being firmly in control of the situation.
However, Yu Mobai's astonishment lasted only a moment. He took a deep breath, slowly walked to the target, reached out and grasped the hilt of the throwing knife that was embedded deep in the bullseye, and pulled it out forcefully.
Then, Yu Mobai turned around, the fear on his face gone, replaced by an elusive calm.
He walked back to Liu Huaijin step by step, so close that they could almost feel each other's breath. Before Liu Huaijin could react, Yu Mobai suddenly turned around gracefully, facing Liu Huaijin with his back to the target.
Just as Liu Huaijin was wondering, Yu Mobai suddenly swung his wrist, which was holding the knife, backward at an even faster and more cunning angle than before!
A colder glint of light whistled past Liu Huaijin's ear by a hair's breadth!
Liu Huaijin could even feel the icy touch of the blade as it swept past; his blood seemed to freeze instantly, and he stood there motionless.
With a muffled "thud," the throwing knife, without missing a beat, pierced the bullseye, only pushing forward a little further!
The study was deathly silent.
Yu Mobai turned his head slightly, his obsidian-like eyes looking at Liu Huaijin, whose face was slightly pale and whose pupils were still dilated with shock.
His face no longer showed the previous submissiveness or fear, but instead a smug smile that carried a hint of wildness, pride, and even defiance.
His eyes shone with an astonishing light as he asked softly.
"Brother Huaijin, is my little trick to your liking?"
The study was deathly silent, except for the hilt of the throwing knife that had driven into the bullseye, which was still trembling slightly.
The smug smile on Yu Mobai's face, tinged with wildness and provocation, was like a flame that instantly burned into Liu Huaijin's eyes.
The expected anger or offense did not occur; instead, a more intense and unfamiliar shock struck him—his heart began to pound uncontrollably.
The blows pounded against his chest, so loud he almost doubted the other person could hear them.
He looked at Yu Mobai in front of him as if he were truly getting to know this person for the first time.
He was no longer the border town lord who needed his protection and skillful maneuvering.
Rather, he is an opponent with sharp claws and teeth, extraordinary courage, and the ability to turn the tide in an instant, or rather, a peer who can stand shoulder to shoulder with him.
The excitement from this discovery far outweighed the displeasure of being provoked. The initial shock in his eyes had not completely faded, but a more fervent and direct appreciation had already surged forth uncontrollably.
Liu Jinhuai tried to restrain himself and maintain the composure befitting a young master from a prominent family, but the corners of his mouth turned up in an uncontrollable, wide arc.
There was no mockery or anger in that smile, only pure, unbridled joy from being pleased and shocked.
Yes! Yu Mobai was showing off his talents in front of me just to please me.
"Very good! Very good!"
Liu Huaijin's voice was a bit lower and hoarse than usual, filled with undisguised admiration.
"Yu Mobai, Yu Mobai, I really underestimated you!"
Instead of backing down after the dangerous scene, he took a step forward, his gaze almost tangible, meticulously tracing Yu Mobai's slightly flushed cheeks and his strikingly bright eyes.
"This little trick of theirs is more than just passable."
He chuckled softly, almost through gritted teeth, with a mixture of excitement and a certain indescribable aggression.
"It was simply...stunning."
This Yu Mobai, audacious and sharp-tongued, was completely different from his usual gentle and tactful self. Yet, he was like a key that unexpectedly unlocked a tightly locked box in Liu Huaijin's heart.
It showed him another, more vivid, more exciting, and more adrenaline-pumping possibility.
Half a month ago, Yu Mobai applied to the central district for a small number of temporary troops to be dispatched under the pretext of "protecting the caravan and maintaining public order." Liu Jinhuai, based on his past appreciation for him, increased the request by 20% and urged Yu Mobai to visit him, the implication of which was self-evident.
Among nobles, it's all about mutual benefit. If I give you military power, you'll naturally reciprocate.
Having grown up surrounded by power, Yu Mobai naturally understood this principle, and since he had come, he was prepared.
"Mo Bai, would you like to stay with me tonight?"
Liu Jinhuai's voice was excited and hoarse. He turned to the side and hugged Yu Mobai from behind. The two were the same height, and his strong arms wrapped around Yu Mobai's chest.
Liu Jinhuai's arms encircled him like iron hoops, his burning body temperature seeping through the fabric, carrying an undeniable air of dominance.
Yu Mobai could clearly feel the rapid heartbeat and the determined desire of the person behind him.
The air seemed to freeze.
Yu Mobo didn't struggle immediately, nor did he turn around. He simply let him hold him quietly, as if he was digesting the weight of those words.
After a few heartbeats, just as Liu Jinhuai was about to lose patience, Yu Mobai gently but firmly covered his hands, which were clasped together on his chest.
His fingertips were slightly cool, a stark contrast to the burning heat on the back of Liu Jinhuai's hand.
Yu Mobai did not push him away. Instead, he turned his head slightly to the side while he was in this restrained position. His voice was lower than usual, carrying an indescribable complex emotion that seemed to be both offended and understanding.
Brother Huaijin,
He called out, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger.
"In your heart, am I, Yu Mobai... no different from those playthings you summon and dismiss at will?"
These words, like a fine needle, precisely pierced the bubble of ambiguity. Liu Jinhuai's grip on his arm loosened subconsciously.
Taking advantage of the situation, Yu Mobai slowly turned around to face him.
The two were of similar height, and their eyes met at the same level in the air.
Yu Mobai's face showed no shyness or submissiveness as expected. His eyes, which were always smiling, were now as clear as a cold mountain spring, looking straight into Liu Jinhuai's eyes.
“You gave me military power, so I should repay you. That’s the rule, and I understand it.”
Yu Mobai's tone was calm, yet every word was clear.
“Brother Huaijin, if all I need is that mere extra 20% of the troops, why did I come all this way today?”
He leaned forward slightly, and the distance between them didn't increase; instead, they got closer, almost to the point where they could feel each other's breath.
"If I stay now, what will I be when I wake up tomorrow? Just a guest on your bed for a moment, Young Master Liu?"
"Is it still a... cash-on-delivery transaction?"
His voice was lowered, carrying an almost seductive magnetism.
"Brother Huaijin, is this all you want for me?"
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