Chapter 34 Leaving the Capital
After leaving the training ground, Ye Xunyang felt that something was wrong with him.
He became afraid to look Lou Jin in the eye. When the two were alone, he would inexplicably blush and his heart would race, and he would not know where to put his hands and feet.
That brief kiss was etched on his lips like a brand, replaying repeatedly in his mind.
"How could I... how could I have closed my eyes like that?"
Ye Xunyang smacked his head and paced restlessly around the room.
He repeatedly explained to himself that it was just an accident.
But Lou Jin's deep gaze at that moment clearly told him that it was not an accident.
Lou Jin took in all his reactions but was in no hurry to take things further.
He knew that Ye Xunyang needed to be guided patiently; pushing him too hard would backfire.
He continued to handle affairs as usual, playing chess and taking walks with Ye Xunyang. However, when their eyes met, his gaze would linger for a moment longer, carrying a hint of tenderness, which made Ye Xunyang feel flustered.
That afternoon, Ye Xunyang was absentmindedly flipping through a military book when Lou Jin sat opposite him, holding a secret letter in his hand.
After reading it, he twitched his fingertips slightly, and the letter turned to ashes in the candlelight.
"Your Highness, is there any news from outside?"
Lou Jin raised his eyes and looked at him: "Hmm. Lou Shang is desperate and sent someone to assassinate Lao Wu."
"What?!" Ye Xunyang sat up straight in shock.
"In the palace? Has he gone mad?"
"It wasn't in the palace, it was on the way back to the mansion from the yamen."
"The assassins were all dead, none of them survived. Fifth Brother suffered a minor injury, but it's nothing serious."
Ye Xunyang gasped, "This is outrageous! What did the Emperor say?"
"The Emperor was furious and ordered a thorough investigation. But with no one left to testify, the clues pointed to a small gang that had already been silenced, and the investigation couldn't trace it back to Lou Shang."
Lou Jin sneered, "Although he acted recklessly this time, he cleaned up the mess relatively well."
"Are we just going to let it go like this?" Ye Xunyang asked indignantly.
"Of course not. Fifth Brother is not one to swallow his pride. He suffered a loss this time, so he must have a backup plan."
"The fiercer they fight, the better it is for us. But..."
He paused, looked at Ye Xunyang, and said in a more serious tone, "The capital will not be peaceful in the near future. Xunyang, if you don't need to, try not to leave the manor. If you really have to go out, be sure to bring plenty of men with you and be careful."
Looking at the genuine worry in his eyes, Ye Xunyang felt a little less awkward and a warm feeling of being valued replaced by a sense of comfort.
He nodded vigorously: "I understand, Your Highness. Don't worry, I will be careful."
He paused, then couldn't help asking again, "Your Highness, is your health... almost recovered?"
He recalled the elixirs given by the Imperial Preceptor, and Lou Jin's gradually recovering complexion and skills.
Lou Jin's eyes flickered slightly as he gazed at him: "Most of the toxins have been cleared, and your internal energy is recovering. However, the last remaining toxins are deeply rooted and require a special opportunity to completely eradicate them."
"What opportunity?" Ye Xunyang immediately asked, his eyes clear and firm.
Lou Jin looked into his eyes, and swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
Now is not the time.
He looked away, his voice low: "When the time is right, I will tell you."
"Perhaps... I will need your help one more time."
"No problem, I'll do anything to cure the prince!"
Upon hearing this, Lou Jin felt a complex mix of emotions.
He wanted more than just "help".
A few days later, a piece of news exploded in the capital like a thunderbolt.
The fourth prince, Lou Shang, was reprimanded by the emperor for several crimes, including misconduct, forming cliques for personal gain, and spying on the emperor's whereabouts. He was also fined one year's salary, stripped of his position in the Ministry of Personnel, and confined to his palace for three months to reflect on his actions.
Although the charge did not involve assassination, it was clear to everyone that this was the emperor's stern warning and punishment of Lou Shang.
Having lost his authority over the Ministry of Personnel and been placed under house arrest, Lou Shang's power suffered a severe blow.
When the news reached the Jinwang Mansion, Ye Xunyang was watching Lou Jin practice calligraphy.
"Serves you right!"
"Let's see how arrogant he can be now that he's always causing us trouble!"
Lou Jin put down his pen, but his expression showed little joy: "Father's actions are both a punishment for Lou Shang and a balancing act. The Fifth Prince is currently too powerful and needs to be curbed. Moreover..."
He looked at Ye Xunyang: "After this blow, Lou Shang will only be more resentful and more dangerous. He can't touch Lao Wu, but he might hold us accountable."
Ye Xunyang was taken aback for a moment, then snorted, "Afraid of him? He can't even protect himself right now, how dare he provoke us?"
"The most ferocious struggle is that of a cornered beast." Lou Jin walked to the window and looked at the snow in the courtyard.
"We cannot let our guard down."
He turned around and looked at Ye Xunyang: "Xunyang, I may need to leave the capital for a few days."
Ye Xunyang's heart tightened: "Leave? Where to? Your body..."
"It's alright, the remaining poison no longer affects our movement."
"News has come from the south that some clues have been found regarding the Black Miao tribe and the secret poison from back then. I must go and confirm it myself. This matter concerns the fundamental cure for the poison and cannot be overlooked."
“I’ll go with you!” Ye Xunyang blurted out.
Lou Jin looked at him and shook his head: "This trip may be risky. It's safer for you to stay in the capital."
"Moreover, the Prince's residence needs someone to stay and help keep it a secret from everyone."
Ye Xunyang wanted to say something, but Lou Jin raised his hand to stop him: "Listen to me. I will return as soon as possible."
His tone was decisive and left no room for doubt, so Ye Xunyang had no choice but to swallow his words, though a strong sense of unease and reluctance welled up inside him.
Over the next two days, Lou Jin was busy arranging his departure from Beijing, while Ye Xunyang was somewhat sullen.
He was used to Lou Jin being around him, and even if the two of them didn't speak and just stayed by each other's side, he felt at ease.
Now that Lou Jin is suddenly leaving, he feels a deep emptiness in his heart.
On the eve of his departure, Ye Xunyang helped Lou Jin pack his belongings, nagging him with instructions: "It's damp and cold in the south, Your Highness, please bring plenty of warm clothes. Be careful on the road, and eat and take your medicine on time..."
Lou Jin watched his busy figure and listened to his trivial instructions, a warm feeling welled up in his heart.
As Ye Xunyang turned to get something, he reached out and grabbed his wrist.
Ye Xunyang turned around and met Lou Jin's deep eyes.
"Xunyang," Lou Jin's voice was low and serious, "Take good care of yourself while I'm away. I'm entrusting the palace to you."
"Yes, I know." Ye Xunyang nodded, his reluctance growing stronger.
Lou Jin looked at him, then suddenly pulled him gently into his arms.
Ye Xunyang's body stiffened, but he did not struggle.
Lou Jin's embrace carried a cool medicinal fragrance and warm body temperature, which made him feel inexplicably at ease.
"Wait for me to return." Lou Jin whispered in his ear, his warm breath brushing against his earlobe.
Ye Xunyang's face flushed instantly, his heart raced, and his hand unconsciously grabbed Lou Jin's collar.
The hug didn't last long; Lou Jin quickly released him, as if it were just a casual reassurance before parting.
The following morning, Lou Jin, disguised, left the Jinwang Mansion quietly with Shan Lan and several elite guards.
Ye Xunyang stood at the gate of the mansion, watching the carriage disappear at the end of the long street. He felt empty inside and realized for the first time that Lou Jin had become so important to him.
He took a deep breath, turned around and went back to his residence, his eyes becoming resolute.
The prince entrusted the palace to him, and he must protect this home and wait for the prince's safe return.
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