Chapter 187
Sheng Xuan stood outside the door, listening intently. The sounds of water and other subtle noises inside had ceased sometime earlier, leaving only silence. After waiting a moment, a sense of unease crept into his heart, so he raised his hand and gently knocked on the door with his knuckles.
"Su Zhelan?" he called softly, his voice gentle. "Are you done washing?"
There was no response from inside the house.
Sheng Xuan frowned slightly, his worry deepening. After a moment's hesitation, he gently pushed open the door.
The door slid open silently. The room was dimly lit, and the lingering steam carried a warm, humid feeling. The large wooden bathtub sat quietly behind the screen, the water still, with used towels scattered around it.
Sheng Xuan's gaze quickly swept across the room, finally landing on the bed.
Su Zhelan was curled up deep in the bed, wrapped tightly in a brocade quilt, with only a small patch of his dark hair and smooth forehead showing. He was motionless, as if he were asleep, but Sheng Xuan keenly noticed that his body wrapped in the quilt was actually very tense.
Sheng Xuan tiptoed to the bedside. He sat down on the edge of the couch, his gaze softly falling on the small patch of exposed skin.
"...Asleep?" he asked in a low voice, his tone carrying a hint of probing and apology.
The person under the blanket remained motionless, but Sheng Xuan saw the exposed ear tip twitch almost imperceptibly before slowly and deeply retreating under the blanket.
Sheng Xuan couldn't help but let a very faint smile appear on his lips. He knew that he was still shy, or rather, unsure of how to face himself.
He reached out and placed his hand very lightly on the raised part of the blanket, where it should have been the shoulders. He felt the body beneath him suddenly stiffen.
"I'm sorry," Sheng Xuan's voice softened slightly, filled with sincere apology, "Today... I went too far."
He patted her gently, reassuringly, through the blanket. "Don't keep it all inside, okay?"
The person under the covers still didn't speak, but the tension seemed to ease a little.
Shengxuan waited patiently, no longer speaking, just sitting there quietly, her palm still gently and rhythmically stroking the blanket.
After a long while, the blanket moved very slowly and rustlingly. A pair of eyes peeked out from the edge of the blanket, eyelashes wet, eyes darting around, quickly glancing at Sheng Xuan before immediately lowering them again.
Seeing him like this, Sheng Xuan's heart softened. Just as she was about to say something more, Su Zhelan suddenly pulled his head back, and a muffled, nasal voice came from under the covers:
"...I need to rest."
Upon hearing this, Sheng Xuan not only didn't get up and leave, but a sly smile flashed in his eyes. Without a word, he deftly kicked off his boots, lifted a corner of the blanket, and slipped inside!
"Then I'll go with you." He said with a grin, stretching out his long arm and pulling Su Zhelan, who had her back to him, into his arms without saying a word, her warm chest pressed against his slightly cool back.
Su Zhelan was startled by his sudden, shameless behavior and froze. He was so angry that he wanted to curse, but he simply couldn't muster the strength. He struggled a couple of times, but found it was futile. The person behind him was holding him tightly and even deliberately rubbed his chin against his neck, letting out a satisfied sigh.
After a whole afternoon of fussing, Su Zhelan was truly exhausted, both physically and mentally. Now, enveloped by the familiar warm breath, his anger and embarrassment couldn't overcome the overwhelming drowsiness. He decided to give up, closed his eyes, and ignored the guy behind him who was pushing his luck. His tense body gradually relaxed, and his breathing became long and even.
Sheng Xuan felt the person in his arms stop struggling and instead hear even, shallow breathing, knowing that he was truly exhausted and had fallen into a deep sleep. He tightened his arms, pulling the person closer into his embrace, and lowered his head to place a very light kiss on the top of the soft hair, his eyes incredibly tender.
"Sleep," he murmured softly, closing his eyes and contentedly drifting off to sleep alongside him.
As night deepened, the moon began to rise.
After finishing his work, Su Yan realized that he hadn't seen his little apprentice all night, not even at dinner time. He couldn't help but feel a little puzzled and worried, wondering if he had been delayed outside or if he wasn't feeling well again. So he got up and walked towards the courtyard where Su Zhelan lived.
The courtyard was quiet, with only a few lanterns casting a dim yellow glow. Su Zhelan's bedroom doors and windows were tightly closed, and there seemed to be no movement inside. Su Yan frowned slightly, his worry deepening, and he quietly pushed open the door.
The door slid open silently. Only a dim oil lamp illuminated the room, casting a hazy glow. Su Yan's gaze fell directly on the bed; the next moment, his pupils contracted sharply, and his face instantly darkened—
On the bed lay his obedient and quiet little apprentice, Su Zhelan, fast asleep, her cheeks flushed with the sweetness of sleep. Behind her, however, lay Sheng Xuan, whom he had only met that day! Sheng Xuan's arms were wrapped tightly around Su Zhelan's waist, holding her close, his chin resting affectionately on the top of her head. Their breaths mingled, and they slept soundly.
Su Yan felt a surge of anger rush to his head! What was this?! This damned brat! How dare he... how dare he climb into his disciple's bed like this?! And hold him so tightly?! A feeling of anger and heartache, like his carefully nurtured cabbage being trampled by some wild boar from who-knows-where, instantly overwhelmed him!
His face turned ashen. He strode forward, raised his hand to grab the back of Sheng Xuan's collar, who was sleeping soundly and completely unsuspecting, and wanted to drag this bastard off the bed and throw him out!
Just as his fingertips were about to touch Shengxuan's clothes, a warm, large hand reached out from the side and gently but firmly grasped his wrist.
Su Yan froze, then whirled around, meeting Gu Linzhao's calm gaze—Gu Linzhao had somehow followed him in and was now standing behind him. Su Yan's eyes widened in anger, and he hissed in a low voice, "What?!"
Gu Linzhao didn't let go. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, bringing his lips close to Su Yan's ear, and whispered in a very low voice, his tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of reassurance and...amused amusement: "Never mind, never mind..."
Su Yan was even angrier upon hearing this and was about to retort when Gu Linzhao gently pinched his wrist and continued to whisper, "...Look how soundly Zhelan is sleeping. Don't wake him, hmm?"
The final, slightly rising tone, with its usual soft, seductive quality that made Su Yan's ears tingle, struck a nerve. Su Yan instinctively glanced at Su Zhelan on the bed; she was indeed sleeping soundly, her brow relaxed, her breathing even—she hadn't slept this deeply in a long time. If she were to start a commotion now…
Su Yan's anger dissipated, leaving only resentment and frustration. He glared at Gu Linzhao, then turned to glare at the "wild boar" on the bed who was still sound asleep and completely unaware of what was happening. In the end, he could only reluctantly and unwillingly withdraw his hand.
Seeing this, Gu Linzhao smiled faintly, put his arm around Su Yan's shoulder, and half-pushed, half-coaxed him out of the bedroom, then gently closed the door.
Outside the door, Su Yan was still furious, and complained to Gu Linzhao in a low voice, "That brat! He's done it again..."
Gu Linzhao just smiled and shook his head, then put his arm around him and walked towards the main courtyard: "Don't worry about the kids... Let's go back and rest."
The next morning, as dawn broke, birds chirped outside the window.
Sheng Xuan's biological clock was extremely accurate; even after indulging yesterday, he naturally woke up at the appointed time. When he opened his eyes, Su Zhelan came into view, breathing lightly and fast asleep.
Sheng Xuan's heart softened, and he couldn't help but lower his head and gently rub his chin against Su Zhelan's soft hair. Not satisfied, he then rubbed his nose against Su Zhelan's smooth forehead and cheeks, tightening his arms around him and holding him tightly in his arms.
Unable to find peace in her sleep, Su Zhelan frowned unconsciously, let out a few dissatisfied whimpers, and groggily raised her hand to push him away.
Seeing his expression, Sheng Xuan's smile deepened, and she moved closer, deliberately rubbing her chin, which had just sprouted some stubble, against his sensitive neck and behind his ears.
"Hmm... Stop messing around..." Su Zhelan was finally completely woken up. Her eyes were not fully open yet. She was still very sleepy and annoyed by being disturbed. Her voice was soft and indistinct. She raised her hand weakly to push Sheng Xuan's face.
Seeing that he was awake, Sheng Xuan immediately took advantage of the situation and leaned close to his ear, lowering her voice and speaking with a burning breath: "I have to go... there's a lot of work waiting for me at the camp." He paused, his tone carrying a hint of deliberate grievance and coquetry, "...Aren't you going to see me off?"
Su Zhelan was woken up by him and, hearing his incessant chatter, opened her sleepy eyes with annoyance, glared at him, and lightly slapped his cheek, which was so close to hers.
"Get out of here..." He rolled over, pulled the blanket up over his head, and his muffled voice came from under the covers, filled with utter disgust and drowsiness, "...I want to sleep..."
Sheng Xuan was amused by his ruthless dismissal and chuckled softly. He didn't press the matter further, nimbly got out of bed, and stood by the bedside straightening his slightly wrinkled robes and armor.
As he fastened his belt, he glanced at the figure on the bed, curled up again, motionless, ready to drift off to sleep. He deliberately dragged out his words, muttering, "Sigh...how heartless~ used and then discarded~"
The blanket moved almost imperceptibly, as if the person inside had silently kicked the bed board in protest.
Sheng Xuan's smile widened as he finally finished tidying up. He took one last look at the quilt before turning around with satisfaction, quietly leaving the room, and carefully closing the door behind him.
Silence returned to the room, leaving Su Zhelan alone wrapped in the warm blankets, listening to the footsteps fade into the distance. Sleepiness washed over her again, and before she drifted off, only one thought vaguely flashed through her mind: ...That annoying guy... he's finally gone...
That afternoon, sunlight streamed through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows on the floor of Zhufeng Pavilion.
Su Zhelan sat by the window, trying to focus on the medical book in his hands, but the events of yesterday, especially the man's smiling mutterings and last glance, kept inadvertently flashing into his mind, causing him slight unease. He forced himself to concentrate, his fingertips tracing the ink words on the pages.
Just as he was getting into the swing of things, a very light knocking sound came from outside the window.
He paused slightly, then got up and opened the window. A dark figure slipped silently into the room as if blending into the night, knelt on one knee, and said in a very low voice, "Young Master Su."
Su Zhelan recognized this as one of the most secretive bodyguards of Crown Prince Xiao Qiyun, and her heart tightened: "What is it?"
The guard presented a small, exquisite black iron token bearing the Eastern Palace's secret mark, and whispered, "His Highness has instructed me to convey that tomorrow at Shenshi (3-5 PM), at the 'Songfeng Pavilion' of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, there will be a newly acquired 'Jade Marrow Soup' infused with 'Snow-Topped Jade Mushroom,' which is beneficial to your health, Young Master. His Highness has reserved a private room and requests that you come to taste it, as there is also something to discuss." The guard paused, then added, "His Highness specifically instructed that this matter... should not be publicized."
Su Zhelan accepted the cold, heavy token, his fingertips trembling slightly. The Snow-Capped Jade Mushroom… this legendary tonic was indeed a great temptation for someone like him with a weak and cold constitution. Not to mention that Xiao Qiyun had personally invited him… He remained silent for a moment, then said softly, “…Understood. Your Highness, I will be there on time.”
The guard nodded and then vanished silently out the window like a ghost.
Su Zhelan held the token and stood by the window for a long time.
The next morning, he still took the token and went to find his master, Mr. Su Yan.
Mr. Su Yan held the black iron token, snorted coldly, and said with displeasure: "Hmph, Snow-capped Jade Mushroom? A weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken, he has no good intentions! What delicacies doesn't the Crown Prince have? Why go to such lengths to secretly invite you to a restaurant to try something new? Clearly, his real intention is not what it seems!"
Su Zhelan lowered her eyes and said softly, "...I understand. It's just..."
Mr. Su Yan glared at him, then finally sighed, tossed the token back to him, and waved his hand impatiently: "Go on, go on! I knew you couldn't win against that kid! Be careful! His Eastern Palace is a den of intrigue, don't be stupid enough to be sold out and still be counting money for him! Come back after tasting the medicinal soup, don't delay!"
"Yes, I will remember Master's teachings." Su Zhelan respectfully replied and carefully put the token away.
The next day at Shenshi (3-5 PM), Su Zhelan arrived at the bustling Zuixianlou Restaurant as agreed. After announcing the name "Songfengge" (Pine Breeze Pavilion), the waiter immediately and respectfully led him to a quiet and elegant private room on the second floor.
Pushing open the carved wooden door, Crown Prince Xiao Qiyun was already seated inside. Today, he was not wearing the crown prince's robes, but only a dark-patterned brocade robe of sky blue after rain, his hair tied up with a jade crown, which made his handsome face and dignified demeanor even more striking. Upon seeing Su Zhelan enter, a gentle smile instantly bloomed in his eyes, and he immediately rose to greet her.
"You're here?" His voice was deep and pleasant, carrying a hint of barely perceptible intimacy. He naturally reached out and gently grasped Su Zhelan's wrist, guiding him to his side. His fingertips were warm, the pressure gentle yet leaving no room for refusal.
Su Zhelan felt a slight heat rise to his ears from his sudden intimacy. He subconsciously looked up at him, only to meet a pair of deep, smiling eyes. He pursed his lips slightly, not pulling away, and let Xiao Qiyun lead him to a seat, saying in a low voice, "Your Highness has kept you waiting."
Xiao Qiyun didn't let go immediately. Instead, he gently caressed the inside of Su Zhelan's delicate wrist with his fingertips while still close to her before reluctantly releasing her. His tone was gentle and smiling: "I just arrived too. You look better than before. It seems you rested well?" His gaze carefully traced Su Zhelan's features, filled with undisguised concern.
Su Zhelan felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze, so she lowered her eyes slightly to avoid his overly focused eyes and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I'm fine."
The private room was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and several exquisite dishes were already laid out on the round sandalwood table. The "jade marrow soup" in the center, steaming with heat, was particularly eye-catching. The aroma of herbs mixed with the freshness of the ingredients slowly permeated the air.
Xiao Qiyun personally picked up the jade ladle and ladled a small half bowl of milky white soup for Su Zhelan, his voice softening even more: "I specially ordered this for you. Try this 'Snow-Topped Jade Mushroom' in your meal. Is it worthy of its name? I've heard that this herb is extremely nourishing and gentle." He gently pushed the bowl in front of Su Zhelan, his gaze still tenderly fixed on her face, as if anticipating her reaction.
Su Zhelan bowed slightly and thanked him. He lowered his eyes to examine the color of the soup carefully, then gently smelled its aroma, his gaze focused: "The color is clear and bright, the medicinal fragrance is rich and not murky, it is indeed a top-quality Snow-Top Jade Mushroom. Your Highness has gone to great lengths." He felt Xiao Qiyun's unwavering gaze, and his heart beat faster for no reason. He picked up a spoon, scooped up a small spoonful, and put it in his mouth, savoring it carefully.
Xiao Qiyun looked at his slightly trembling eyelashes and the way he was intently savoring the food, and the smile on his lips deepened. He was about to say something more...
At that moment, the door to the private room was knocked twice, neither too hard nor too soft.
Before there was a response from inside, the door creaked open. Sheng Xuan stood tall and straight in the doorway, a cheerful yet slightly mocking smile on his face.
His gaze first fell precisely on Su Zhelan, lit up for a moment, before turning to Xiao Qiyun in the main seat, and cupped his fists, saying, "Your Highness has a fine taste! I am on leave today, and I smelled the fragrant medicine in this private room from the main hall downstairs. I heard it is a rare jade marrow soup? This cannot be enjoyed alone. Your Highness would not mind if we added a pair of chopsticks?"
His tone was familiar, with a hint of the straightforwardness characteristic of a military general, as if it were truly a coincidence.
Xiao Qiyun was satisfied, but on the surface he shook his head and smiled helplessly, his tone carrying just the right amount of indulgence: "Your nose is quite sharp... Since you're here, sit down. Get another bowl and chopsticks." The servant standing to the side immediately complied.
Sheng Xuan strode in without any ceremony, naturally sat down in the empty seat next to Su Zhelan, and casually picked up the serving spoon to add another spoonful of soup and ingredients to Su Zhelan's bowl, which she had already taken a sip from: "This smells really good, drink more and nourish yourself."
Su Zhelan felt her ears burning from his intimacy and subconsciously glanced at Xiao Qiyun, only to see that Xiao Qiyun was just watching with a smile and did not stop her.
The atmosphere immediately became lively with Shengxuan's arrival.
Just as Xiao Qiyun was about to raise his chopsticks to signal everyone to start eating, the door to the private room was politely knocked on again.
A young man dressed in a magnificent purple robe and wearing a jade crown—Prince Rui—entered with a smile, carrying a wine cup, and led in two or three friends. "I heard Your Highness was here downstairs, so I came to offer you a toast. Your Highness is in high spirits today!" His gaze quickly swept across the table, and when he saw Sheng Xuan and Su Zhelan, a barely perceptible hint of inquiry flashed in his eyes. "And this gentleman is…? He looks unfamiliar; may I ask whose distinguished guest he is?"
Xiao Qiyun calmly stood up and raised his cup in return, saying, "Uncle Rui, you are too kind." He looked at Su Zhelan gently, "This is Su Zhelan, who is well-versed in medicine and has considerable expertise in identifying medicinal herbs. We have specially invited him to come and appraise them today."
Prince Rui's smile deepened, and he raised his glass to Sheng Xuan and Su Zhelan: "So it is General Sheng Xuan, I have long admired your name. Su Zhelan is even more remarkable at such a young age."
He changed the subject slightly, asking casually, "Mr. Su Zhelan is so young yet so proficient in medicine. May I ask which master he studied under? That His Highness would favor him so much that he personally hosted a banquet to seek his guidance."
Su Zhelan put down her spoon and was about to answer when Sheng Xuan preemptively picked up his wine cup and laughed loudly, "Your Highness, the food and wine are getting cold. Let me offer you a toast first! We are just rough men in the army and don't understand those fancy words. We admire people as elegant and refined as you!" As he spoke, he stood up and seemingly generously stood between Prince Rui and Su Zhelan.
Distracted by his interruption, Prince Rui could only smile and accept the cup of wine. Xiao Qiyun then followed suit, inquiring about Prince Rui's recent collection of calligraphy and paintings, cleverly changing the subject.
Su Zhelan breathed a sigh of relief and lowered her head to drink her soup silently, but she could still feel Prince Rui's seemingly warm but actually scrutinizing gaze falling on her from time to time.
The atmosphere at the banquet appeared cheerful and relaxed, with toasts and laughter filling the air, but undercurrents were running deep. After a few more pleasantries, Prince Rui and his entourage took their leave.
As soon as the door to the private room closed, the playful expression on Sheng Xuan's face vanished instantly. He did not sit down immediately, but instead moved silently to the window, listened for a moment, and then quickly checked the area behind the screen and in other corners of the private room. His movements were swift and professional, completely different from the unrestrained and bold military general he had just displayed.
After confirming that there were no more eavesdroppers, he returned to his seat, nodded slightly to Xiao Qiyun, and whispered, "Safe."
The smile on Xiao Qiyun's face faded, replaced by a calm solemnity. He did not speak immediately, but instead picked up the jade pot and poured half a bowl of warm soup for Su Zhelan.
Su Zhelan took the bowl, feeling the warmth emanating from its surface with his fingertips. He looked up at Xiao Qiyun, then at Sheng Xuan, who looked wary. The vague premonition in his heart gradually became clear—this was definitely not a simple tasting banquet.
Seeing that Su Zhelan's expression had calmed down, Xiao Qiyun pondered for a moment, then glanced at Sheng Xuan before finally fixing his gaze on Su Zhelan. He lowered his voice, but his words were clear and undeniable: "Prince Rui may seem refined, but he is actually very close to the Second Prince. His appearance today is by no means accidental."
Sheng Xuan stood beside Su Zhelan with his arms crossed, and snorted coldly as he interjected, "They're probably after Su Zhelan. It seems the Second Prince has caught wind of it." He spoke bluntly, his sharp gaze fixed on Su Zhelan, a hint of barely perceptible worry in his eyes.
Xiao Qiyun nodded slightly, confirming Sheng Xuan's judgment. His gaze toward Su Zhelan was both reassuring and earnest: "Zhelan, you don't need to be overly worried about what happened today, but you should be mindful of what you've been through. Now that your second brother has taken notice of you, you need to be even more careful in your words and actions in the future."
He paused, tapping the table lightly with his fingertips: "The Drunken Immortal Pavilion is too crowded and noisy place for a long discussion. Shengxuan and I still have military matters to discuss. Zhelan, you should return to your residence for now."
These words were both an announcement and a protective arrangement. Holding the warm bowl, Su Zhelan could clearly sense the turbulent undercurrents beneath the calm surface. After a moment of silence, she nodded solemnly: "I understand."
Sheng Xuan added from the side, "On the way back later, I will arrange for someone to secretly escort you." His tone left no room for refusal, carrying his usual strong protective intent.
Seeing this, Xiao Qiyun's expression softened slightly, and a gentle smile returned. He raised his chopsticks to indicate, "The matter is settled. This soup is still warm, so let's not waste it. After you finish your meal, I will have someone escort you back."
The tense atmosphere in the private room eased slightly, but all three knew that a storm might have only just begun.
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