Chapter 21#

“We have a long, long time. Let’s play slowly.” Chapter Number: 7238942#

The Glaze lamp fell into the ice hole with a “glug” sound and disappeared in an instant, leaving only ripples spreading across the lake’s surface.

The servants in the courtyard all looked at Chu Tan, their gazes filled with both sympathy and relief—relief that the one being tormented by Rong Yu was not themselves.

Rong Yu smiled as he looked at Chu Tan. “Go get it. If you can’t retrieve it, then don’t bother coming back up.”

He wore a smile on his face, yet from his gorgeous, flower-like features came words as venomous as a demon’s.

Chu Tan lowered his eyes. In his pitch-black pupils, there was not a trace of panic or evasion. He stripped off his padded robe in a few quick motions, gave Rong Yu a silent look, then without a moment’s hesitation, dove into the lake.

As the sound of him hitting the water rang out, everyone shuddered in unison, as if they could personally feel that bone-seeping cold.

Going into the water on a day this cold could easily take half a person’s life. Not to mention the lake was so vast, with only a single ice hole. If one lost their bearings underwater and couldn’t find the exit, then truly, calling to heaven would yield no answer, and calling to earth would yield no response.

They looked at Rong Yu in fear, gaining a profound new understanding of their master’s cruelty.

Sure enough, there was always something more vicious—there was no such thing as “the most vicious.”

Rong Yu folded his hands on his knees, a faint smile curving at the corners of his lips. He casually swept his gaze around the circle, and everyone immediately lowered their heads, terrified that they might be the next target.

Some of the more quick-witted ones had already begun scheming about how to transfer to a different courtyard for their duties.

Only Mo Shu’s expression did not change in the slightest. He had never thought of Rong Yu as cruel or tyrannical. They had grown up together. He had watched as Rong Yu received no love from his father, watched as his mother—the only one who had ever cherished him—died before his eyes. In a single night, Rong Yu lost both his closest kin and his legs. That enormous upheaval transformed Rong Yu from a lively, cheerful youth into the gloomy, twisted person he was now.

Mo Shu only felt heartache for his young master.

In his heart, every order Rong Yu gave was reasonable and correct. If Rong Yu wished to torment someone, and that person’s suffering could bring Rong Yu even a sliver of happiness, then that was that person’s good fortune.

Mo Shu even worried that Rong Yu might get cold, so he pulled the hood of the cloak over Rong Yu’s head and went inside to fetch a pot of hot tea for him to drink.

One breath. Two breaths… As time passed, the lake’s surface gradually returned to stillness.

Unable to see what was happening beneath the ice, everyone stared fixedly at the ice hole, wondering whether Chu Tan could make it back up.

Yet after half a quarter of an hour, there was still no movement from the lake.

Snowflakes drifted slowly down from the sky. Tiny ice crystals landed on Rong Yu’s hand and melted in an instant.

Everyone sighed inwardly. Chu Tan probably wasn’t coming back up.

Rong Yu still wore a calm expression. He took a sip of hot tea and said in a flat voice, “Back to the room.”

“Yes.”

Mo Shu was about to push Rong Yu away when suddenly someone shouted excitedly,

“There’s movement!”

“He’s coming up!”

“It’s Chu Tan! He’s still alive!”

Rong Yu looked up. Soaked through, Chu Tan climbed out of the ice hole. His thin underclothes were plastered to his skin, and water streamed from his hair and clothes. With every step he took, droplets pattered onto the ground.

The courtyard fell silent. Everyone held their breath and watched Chu Tan. The only sound was the crunch of his footsteps on the snow.

Even in his utterly bedraggled state, Chu Tan walked toward Rong Yu with a straight, upright bearing. Step by step, he went, then knelt on one knee before Rong Yu and presented the perfectly undamaged Glaze lamp .

He said, “I have not failed the mission.”

Rong Yu, however, did not spare the Glaze lamp even a single glance. He simply stared at Chu Tan’s stiff, pale face, his gaze traveling from those dark brows to lips drained of color by the cold, watching a small droplet of water roll down the bridge of his nose, slide past his chin, his Adam’s apple, and disappear into his collar.

Rong Yu asked softly, “Cold?"—as if he were deeply concerned.

Chu Tan’s eyes moved slightly. “Cold.”

How could he not be cold? He had held his breath underwater for nearly a quarter of an hour. The icy lake water seemed to have seeped into every pore, the piercing chill gnawing at every inch of flesh and blood.

The moment he came ashore, the cold wind blew, and it felt as if even his blood had frozen solid.

“Look at that—your face has gone white from the cold.”

Rong Yu covered his mouth and let out a low laugh. Those beautiful peach-blossom eyes curved, glimmering with crystalline, fragmented light. Gradually he laughed until his body trembled—so carefree and unrestrained.

“Hahaha, that’s right, it should be cold.” Rong Yu touched Chu Tan’s pale, icy cheek. His red lips curled, brimming with malice and derision. “What a pity you didn’t freeze to death.”

Chu Tan looked straight into those peach-blossom eyes, his voice a bit hoarse. “Your servant’s life is tenacious. I’m afraid I won’t be dying anytime soon.”

“No matter.” Rong Yu raised an eyebrow and murmured softly by Chu Tan’s ear, “We have a long, long time. Let’s play slowly.”

He tucked the Glaze lamp into the front of Chu Tan’s robe, patted him twice, and said with a grin, “Nine thousand taels of gold—consider it a reward. Take it and use it well.”

At that, everyone’s gaze toward Chu Tan instantly shifted from sympathy to jealous envy. Nine thousand taels of gold! For people like them, that was enough to live comfortably for several lifetimes and more.

If they’d known, they would have gone down to retrieve it too. It wasn’t like Chu Tan had died—at worst, they’d suffer a little hardship…

The servants muttered inwardly, their eyes turning bloodshot as they stared at that Glaze lamp .

Mo Shu was also displeased. It wasn’t that he envied Chu Tan, but rather that Chu Tan had done so many terrible things to his young master, and yet had only suffered a bit of physical pain. Now he’d even received a reward. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got.

“Young master, this is letting him off far too easily!” Mo Shu said indignantly as he pushed the wheelchair back.

Rong Yu hugged his hand warmer, and upon hearing this, gave a careless chuckle.

He guessed that Chu Tan would definitely take the Glaze lamp to the pawnshop and exchange it for money, since he still had a large troop of soldiers to support. Rong Yu would give him this chance. After all, the faster Chu Tan grew, the greater the threat he posed to the Crown Prince and Third Prince.

When the time came, dogs biting dogs, all fur and feathers—Rong Yu would simply wait and watch the show.

Ah, right. There was still one more act to perform.

—

Zhaohui Hall.

Rong Yue nestled in the Third Prince’s arms, kissing him passionately, unwilling to part. The bare skin of his chest was covered in wanton red marks.

“Aren’t you going to leave?” Rong Yue looked at the Third Prince. “Sister is probably getting anxious waiting for you.”

The Third Prince stroked Rong Yue’s hair, his eyes full of affection. “It’s fine. I’ll stay with you a while longer.”

Rong Yue smiled sweetly. In his heart, what sister was there anymore?

The two had just confessed their feelings for each other and were in the throes of newfound passion, unwilling to be apart even for a moment.

Suddenly, the Third Prince’s guard came in to report that a servant from Biying Pavilion had come to tip them off.

That person was a spy Rong Yue had planted in Biying Pavilion. He recounted in vivid detail how Rong Yu had forced Chu Tan into the lake to retrieve the cup. Rong Yue panicked the moment he heard it and rushed to go save him.

The Third Prince’s expression turned displeased. He blocked Rong Yue. “You’re not feeling well. You shouldn’t be moving about recklessly. If there’s anything that needs to be done, just have the servants handle it.”

Rong Yue’s face was frantic. “No! My third brother is ruthless. Chu Tan will get hurt!”

“He’s just a servant. Why do you care about him so much?”

Rong Yue froze. His mouth opened, then he pressed his lips shut. He didn’t know how to explain to the Third Prince, and he couldn’t explain.

Could he say that he’d had a dream—a dream that Chu Tan would become emperor in the future?

If those words came out, Rong Yue felt he would very likely be charged with treason and drag his entire family to their deaths with him.

But that dream was too real. In the dream, Chu Tan wasn’t as naive as he was now—he was more mature, and more ruthless.

The grand throne hall was magnificent and empty. The man sat on the dragon throne with a cold, indifferent expression, radiating a dense loneliness. His gaze stared into the void, his eyes filled with a chilling, sinister madness.

This scene appeared in Rong Yue’s dreams again and again. He couldn’t tell anyone about it, yet he firmly believed this was a glimpse of what was to come.

Rong Yue harbored deep feelings for the Third Prince, so naturally he didn’t want anyone else to become emperor. He’d also considered killing Chu Tan outright, but every time the thought arose, a strange voice in his heart stopped him—as if Chu Tan was someone very important and very close to him, and he mustn’t do it.

So Rong Yue thought instead of getting close to Chu Tan, of showing him kindness while he was at his lowest. Perhaps if Chu Tan really did become emperor in the future, he would remember Rong Yue’s goodwill.

But Rong Yue couldn’t tell the Third Prince any of this. The Third Prince was overcome with jealousy and blocked Rong Yue from leaving.

Just as the two were at an impasse, the guard announced once more, “Your Highness, the Third Young Master Rong has arrived.”

Before they even saw him, they heard the sound of wheelchair wheels rolling, followed by Rong Yu’s laughter. “I heard Second Brother drank too much last night and wasn’t feeling well, so I came especially to check on you. Is Second Brother feeling any better?”

Rong Yue threw on an outer robe and pulled the blanket up to cover most of his body. He replied, “Thank you for your concern, Third Brother. I’m fine—I just needed a good night’s sleep.”

Rong Yu smiled and nodded. Suddenly his gaze landed on the Third Prince, as if only just noticing him. He said, “Rong Yu did not know the Third Prince was also here. Please forgive my rudeness.”

“No matter.” The Third Prince’s eyes shifted subtly, but he was looking at Chu Tan behind Rong Yu.

Chu Tan had changed into dry clothes, but his hair was still wet. Stray strands clung to his cheeks, and water droplets kept falling, leaving dark wet trails on his collar.

Rong Yue shot Chu Tan a worried look, but with so many people present, he couldn’t show his concern openly for fear of arousing suspicion. Instead, he looked at Rong Yu with displeasure. “You punished a servant again?”

“Hm?” Rong Yu raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Chu Tan. “News certainly travels fast to Second Brother’s ears.”

Rong Yue frowned. “I’ve told you again and again—a servant’s life is still a life. In the dead of winter, making him jump into an icy lake—aren’t you trying to kill him?”

Rong Yu thought, That’s exactly what I’m trying to do. But his life’s too tough, so I couldn’t take it.

Rong Yu smiled, then tossed the question to the Third Prince. “What does Your Highness think? If the dog doesn’t obey, should it be beaten?”

From the Third Prince’s perspective, all of Rong Yu’s antics were minor affairs. In the eyes of those of royal nobility, human life truly was as cheap as grass.

But the Third Prince naturally sided with Rong Yue. “Second Brother is kind-hearted and cannot bear to see cruelty and violence. Third Young Master should restrain yourself in the future. Stop killing and fighting in the residence.”

“Oh, well, since the Third Prince says so, it must be reasonable.” Rong Yu nodded with exaggerated solemnity, then abruptly changed tack. “It’s just that… I wasn’t punishing a servant at all. I was rewarding him.”

Rong Yu curved his lips. “Chu Tan, you tell them.”

Chu Tan lowered his eyes. “His Lordship was indeed not punishing me.”

Rong Yu looked at Rong Yue and spread his hands helplessly.

Rong Yue was secretly furious. He simply couldn’t understand why Chu Tan, after all the abuse he’d suffered, still insisted on staying by Rong Yu’s side. What kind of mind-control soup had Rong Yu fed him?!

“This servant of yours is quite loyal.” The Third Prince spoke up. “How about coming back to my residence? I could give you a good position. What do you think?”

The Third Prince felt restless inside—whether it was Rong Yue’s unusual concern for Chu Tan or the faint, inexplicable hostility in his own heart, both made it hard for him to regard Chu Tan normally. He even wanted to be rid of him.

Rong Yu clapped his hands together, delighted. “To be able to work in a prince’s residence is a blessing cultivated over several lifetimes! Chu Tan, hurry up and thank His Highness!”

Chu Tan refused without arrogance or ingratiation. “Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but I wish only to remain by my master’s side and attend to him. I have no other desires.”

Daring to refuse a prince—that took considerable courage. Even Mo Shu broke out in a cold sweat for Chu Tan.

The Third Prince narrowed his eyes and studied Chu Tan for a long moment. Then he suddenly laughed. “Truly a loyal servant, indeed. Well, I won’t force the issue. Stay by the Third Young Master’s side and serve him well.”

The Third Prince stressed the words “Third Young Master” heavily, a reminder not to entertain any ideas of getting close to Rong Yue.

Whether Chu Tan understood or not, he simply lowered his head and said in a flat voice, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your consideration.”

Rong Yu felt a bit disappointed. He’d hoped the Third Prince might use this as an excuse to make trouble for Chu Tan. Unfortunately, the two hadn’t ended up at each other’s throats.

Perhaps because the plot hadn’t reached that point yet, they were simply destined not to clash too badly.

Rong Yu hadn’t forgotten that today’s purpose was to annoy Rong Yue. So he looked around the room and said, “Second Brother’s room is heated so warmly, yet you’re still wrapped in a blanket and wearing an outer robe?”

At that, Rong Yue pulled his collar together and coughed awkwardly. “A bit cold.”

“Could it be that you’re sick? Have a fever? Should I send someone to fetch a physician to take a look?” Rong Yu put on the appearance of a caring older brother and reached out to touch Rong Yue.

“No need!” Rong Yue dodged hastily. Because he was afraid of being seen, he clutched his collar tightly and refused loudly—which only made him seem more suspicious.

Rong Yue realized this himself. Meeting Rong Yu’s surprised gaze, he explained stiffly, “It’s probably from too much wine last night. I caught a bit of a draft. I’m just feeling a little unwell now. Nothing serious.”

Rong Yu raised an eyebrow and advised earnestly, “Second Brother, don’t hide your illness out of fear of doctors. If something’s wrong, you should treat it early. I know a highly skilled physician—every time Chu Tan gets hurt, I have him come to treat the wounds, and he heals in no time. Isn’t that right, Chu Tan?”

Chu Tan: “…Mm.”

Rong Yue shook his head hastily. The Third Prince shielded him, saying, “No need to trouble yourself, Third Young Master. If Second Brother is unwell, I will summon an imperial physician from the palace to treat him.”

“How is that a trouble? Second Brother is my own brother. Though we weren’t born of the same mother, Eldest Sister is married off, and Fourth Sister is still young. In our family, we two brothers are closest in age. Of course I must care for my elder brother.”

Rong Yu’s words were spoken with such righteous conviction that no one could refute them.

Then he added, “Speaking of Eldest Sister—she’s with child now. As her younger brother, I’m truly worried. I wonder if I might visit her at the residence?”

The Third Prince replied flatly, “You may go whenever you wish.”

Rong Yu smiled and nodded. “It reminds me of what my mother once said—when she was pregnant with me, she had no appetite, felt unwell, and couldn’t even rest peacefully at night. Eldest Sister must be going through the same hardships. But this child was three years in the making, longed for by both Your Highness and Eldest Sister. A child born into such hope and love must make all the hardship worth it. Don’t you think so, Second Brother?”

A child born into hope and love… Those words made Rong Yue’s heart churn with complicated feelings. He both felt guilty about what he and the Third Prince had done to his sister, and at the same time, the fact that Rong Qingxue was pregnant stirred up jealousy and resentment within him.

“Second Brother?”

Rong Yu tilted his head and called to Rong Yue. “Shall we go visit Eldest Sister together then?”

Rong Yue nodded absentmindedly. Torn between guilt and jealousy, he suddenly didn’t know how to face the Third Prince, nor how to face Rong Qingxue.

“Second Brother seems to still be recovering from his drunkenness, so I won’t disturb you any longer.” Rong Yu said. “Your Highness, will you be leaving with me?”

The Third Prince declined. “Second Brother isn’t feeling well. I’ll stay and look after him.”

Rong Yu smiled brightly. “The Third Prince is so good to Second Brother. Eldest Sister is truly fortunate.”

The implication was that the Third Prince’s kindness toward Rong Yue was merely an extension of his love for Rong Qingxue.

Rong Yue’s eyes dimmed. The Third Prince, however, could not explain anything.

Mo Shu pushed Rong Yu toward the door. Just as they were about to leave, Rong Yu let out an “Ah.”

“Although Second Brother has always been lenient with servants, one shouldn’t be too permissive either. There are even mosquitoes in this room—clearly, the servants aren’t doing their jobs properly.”

With that, Rong Yu left leisurely.

But Rong Yue in the room was stunned. Mosquitoes? In the dead of winter?

He abruptly covered the red marks on his neck, and in an instant, a cold sweat broke out on his back.

In just that short span of time, Rong Yue had been tense, frightened, guilty, jealous, heartbroken, annoyed… countless complicated emotions piled up together, adding insult to injury on his already exhausted body.

By evening, Rong Yue truly fell ill.

[Author’s words:]

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