NOVEL NEXT Chapter 34 - Are You Afraid of Messing up?
“Go check on Huo Tian and his attendant. Advise them to steer clear of that area and avoid needlessly provoking Teng Yi.”
Han Sen inclined forward and relayed Third Prince's instructions personally.
Having witnessed His Highness' maturation firsthand, Han Sen couldn't overlook the changes. Intriguingly, a youth named Huo Tian had captured his attention, likely destined for remarkable fortune.
“Your Highness, tomorrow marks the seventh day. If the First Prince lingers, how should we handle him?” Han Qing inquired anxiously.
“We'll play it by ear. With me present, should we fear making waves?” Third Prince reassured.
Han Qing concurred. Despite appearances, whenever his master confronted the First Prince, it was the latter who often fell victim to deception.
Upon reentering the room, Han Sen was accompanied by two disheveled figures, perspiring profusely with tattered attire and evident facial injuries, as if they had endured a confrontation.
Teng Yu exclaimed in astonishment, “What happened? Were you in a scuffle?”
Han Sen shook his head, uncertain how to broach the topic. Did he dare imply these two naive individuals had challenged the entire camp's soldiers?
Yin Xu, never one for formality, bounded straight for the plush couch, burying his face in the soft fur as he lay motionless.
Wu Sheng, less audacious, refrained from offering Third Prince a formal bow. Instead, he tugged at his garments, head lowered, explaining, “Reporting to Third Prince, we didn't engage in combat.”
“Training?” Teng Yu chuckled approvingly. “As expected of the Marshal's lineage, martial prowess runs deep.”
“Indeed, Seventh Young Master may be young, but when I arrived earlier, he was testing his strength against Lieutenant Kou's, and he emerged victorious,” Han Sen recalled, smiling as he reminisced about Kou Zhongming's humiliated expression.
Teng Yu, once again taken aback, approached, lifting Yin Xu's arm cautiously, fearing he might crush it.
Despite Yin Xu's recent weight loss, he remained far from emaciated.
Teng Yu hesitated to release his grip, inwardly questioning, “How can flesh be so soft? It's no wonder those peculiar elders prefer youths of twelve or thirteen. It's not without reason.”
Subconsciously, Teng Yu channeled Qi into his meridians, seeking confirmation of his suspicions. Yet, despite his efforts, Yin Xu's arm matched Kou Zhongming's, a seasoned veteran, in strength. It was inconceivable.
“How can a body incapable of opening meridians hold energy?” Teng Yu pondered.
After a prolonged pause, Yin Xu turned, chuckling as he addressed Teng Yu, “Had your fill, Your Highness? If so, please have someone fetch two buckets of hot water. Sweating so profusely in the cold might lead to illness, which would be acceptable for me, but less so if I were to share a bed with Your Highness.”
Teng Yu released Yin Xu's arm abruptly, snorting, “Quite adept at giving orders, aren't you? Even to me.”
Yin Xu pivoted, enveloping himself with the leather blanket from the plush couch, regarding him fearlessly.
The more Teng Yu contemplated, the more his ire swelled. It was arduous for him to find someone he wished to befriend, yet he encountered a rascal who flouted conventions.
He seized Yin Xu's chin, cautioning, “Even if we collaborate, it doesn't grant you authority to assert dominance over me!”
Yin Xu swatted his hands aside. “If you're petty, just say so. Are two buckets of hot water worth all this fuss?”
Teng Yu's fury churned within, his resentment palpable. How could this man dare to speak so boldly and righteously before him? Were all countryside-raised children this audacious?
However, upon glimpsing Wu Sheng, standing dutifully nearby, he swiftly dismissed this notion. Perhaps it was inherent to the Huo Family lineage, renowned for their obstinance and tyranny.
Instructing Han Sen to direct the servants to boil water, Teng Yu settled aside, nonchalantly retrieving a book to read, ignoring Yin Xu.
Shortly after, a servant entered, announcing the readiness of the hot water, leading Yin Xu and his companions to the adjacent bathhouse.
Upon their departure, Teng Yu promptly instructed Han Qing, “Thoroughly investigate his background. I want to know his upbringing and origins!” How audacious of him to oppose a prince's son!
News regarding Liu State arrived swifter than anticipated. By noon, Teng Yu received the report, coinciding with the First Prince's receipt of the confidential information.
“What's the meaning of this? Didn't I explicitly instruct to await my signal before acting?” The First Prince reprimanded the Dark Guard, his voice laced with fury, wishing to cleave him in two.
The Dark Guard remained kneeling, resolute in response. “Your Highness, it wasn't our operatives. Last night, a fierce snowstorm struck Liu State, compelling me to seek refuge in a nearby farmhouse.”
Skepticism clouded the First Prince's demeanor. “This appears deliberate! Few are privy to this matter. Investigate it thoroughly!”
“Yes.”
“Eliminate all witnesses, obliterate any evidence, and leave no trace behind. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to act ruthlessly!”
“Your Highness…” I fear it may be too late.”
“What?” The First Prince erupted in fury, ruthlessly kicking him. “You had better explain yourself! What were my initial instructions?”
The Dark Guard struggled to contain his emotions as he spoke, “Despite the sparse attendance, for reasons unknown, news of the incident had already permeated throughout the entirety of Liu State. Upon my departure, Zhizhou led a party to the stone tablet and absconded with it.”
Seated on his chair, the First Prince bit his lip and muttered softly, “In that case, we must proceed with the plan. While it may not be ideal timing, it's not entirely unfavorable either.”
The Dark Guard bowed his head and continued, “Your Highness… There is another development…”
“Speak!”
“During my journey, I encountered a rumor… It suggested that… They claim the auspicious event was fabricated, and your covert deployment against the Huo Family during this northern excursion was indeed genuine.”
“Crash!” The First Prince shattered the teacup beside him, fixing a fierce glare upon the Dark Guard. “I'll ask again. Where did this rumor originate?”
“This subordinate is unaware, but throughout my travels within Liu State, I encountered numerous whispers. Someone must have deliberately disseminated them.”
“Ridiculous! What I demand to know is who propagated these rumors, and who exploited this situation to undermine my forces?”
“I shall commence an investigation immediately, Your Highness!”
“Then do it swiftly and get out!”