Chapter 23#

“He’s nothing but a jade-faced demon. How could he compare to Second Brother Rong?”#

“I’m not going.”

Rong Yu placed the invitation on the table, his tone indifferent.

His reason was the same as when he’d declined the Lantern Festival banquet before—he didn’t want to deal with the scheming and gossip from Rong Yue’s suitors. Besides, what was a cripple like him supposed to do at a hunting grounds? Sit in his wheelchair and applaud the nobles returning from the hunt?

The very thought made him want to roll his eyes.

“You’re not going?!” Rong Xiuyong roared in anger. “His Highness the Crown Prince inviting you is a blessing! And you dare refuse? How many heads do you have?”

“I only have one head. If he wants it, he’s welcome to come chop it off.” Rong Yu’s expression darkened. He didn’t want to waste words on Rong Xiuyong. “Mo Shu, we’re leaving.”

Mo Shu pushed Rong Yu toward the exit.

Rong Xiuyong slammed the table in a towering rage, bellowing, “If you want to die, go die! Just don’t drag the Rong family down with you! I’m telling you, in half a month at the spring hunt, you’ll go whether you like it or not—if I have to tie you up and drag you there myself!”

Just as they stepped out of the courtyard gate, they heard Rong Yue’s voice from behind. “Third Brother, wait.”

Rong Yue caught up. “Third Brother, could I have a word with you?”

Rong Yu said, “Has Second Brother come to talk me into it?”

“No.” Rong Yue waved his hand. “I wanted to talk about something else.”

Rong Yue paused, then spoke. “Is Juewei Braised Shop the shop your mother left you?”

Rong Yu raised an eyebrow. Finally, here it was. He’d been wondering how long they could hold out.

But although that’s what he thought, his expression remained perfectly calm. “Yes. Does Second Brother have some advice?”

“I…” Rong Yue pressed his lips together, falling silent. He clasped his hands together, looking somewhat embarrassed to speak.

Rong Yu frowned slightly.

“If Second Young Master has nothing else, this servant should be taking my master back. The wind is strong outside, and my master can’t stand the cold.” Mo Shu’s tone was respectful, but his hands were already on the wheelchair, ready to leave.

Rong Yue seethed inwardly—when he was speaking with Rong Yu, what right did a servant have to interrupt?

But he’d always been lenient with servants in public, so he couldn’t show his true colors now. He could only force a smile and say to Rong Yu, “I wasn’t thinking. How about we talk somewhere else?”

With that, he glanced at Chu Tan and Mo Shu, clearly indicating they should dismiss their attendants.

But Rong Yu’s expression remained indifferent. “If Second Brother has something to say, just say it here.”

So Rong Yue had no choice but to steel himself. “Your business is doing better and better now. Ask anyone about braised food, and who hasn’t heard of Juewei Braised Shop? But tall trees catch much wind. You’ve taken all the customers into your hands…”

“Second Brother, get to the point.” Rong Yu cut him off.

“Could you have Juewei Braised Shop supply some braised goods to Zhen Tower every day?”

Zhen Tower was Third Prince’s restaurant.

Rong Yu shook his head with a light laugh. “So Second Brother isn’t here as Father’s persuader, but as the Third Prince’s envoy.”

Rong Yue’s face reddened with shame. He’d been doted on by Madam Bai and Rong Xiuyong since childhood, and Madam Yang had never been harsh to the concubine-born children. He’d lived smoothly and effortlessly, and as he grew older, he was favored by everyone, getting whatever he wanted. In his whole life, he’d never had to beg anyone like this.

Rong Yu propped his chin on his hand and tilted his head playfully. “Is the Third Prince short on money that he’s set his sights on me?”

This was, of course, a joke. Even if the Third Prince were desperately short of funds, he wouldn’t care about the profit of a single restaurant. The real issue was that he had too few customers left—too few smokescreens to confuse the eye, and with the dirty business behind him threatening to be exposed, he was getting anxious.

Rong Yue’s face flushed crimson, his expression angry. “How dare you! A prince isn’t someone you can casually mock!”

Rong Yu’s smile faded.

Rong Yue thought he was scared, so he softened his voice and coaxed, “Third Brother, your shop has a monopoly now, forcing many small businesses to shut down. If this continues, you’ll inevitably earn others’ jealousy. But if you agree to cooperate with the Third Prince, you’ll have no worries at all. Besides, if you expand your sales channels, you’ll only make more money. It’s all benefit and no harm to you.”

He mixed threats with persuasion, and any ordinary person might have agreed on the spot. But was Rong Yu an ordinary person?

Rong Yu lowered his gaze as if thinking, then after a moment shook his head. “I don’t want to.”

He suddenly broke into a bright smile. “Doesn’t Second Brother know? I’ve never known what’s good for me since I was little. Tell me not to do something, and I’ll do exactly that. Tell me how to do things, and I’ll do the opposite.”

“Mo Shu, pass the word down: starting tomorrow, all braised goods at the shop will be sold at half price, no restrictions on type or quantity, for one whole month. Xile Tower will do the same—as long as customers come through the door, accept however many come, and make sure they receive a warm welcome. Also, tell Manager Wang to keep a close eye on all the shop hands. Don’t let any unsavory characters sneak in. If the recipes get leaked, I’ll make sure his entire family—old and young—goes hungry.”

“Yes, Young Master.” Mo Shu bowed his head in acknowledgment.

Rong Yu beamed at Rong Yue, his eyes full of excitement and provocation. “Is Second Brother satisfied?”

Satisfied, his ass! If he did this, the Third Prince’s Shixuan Zhai and Zhen Tower would lose even more customers!

Rong Yue’s face went pale with rage, his chest heaving. “You… you’re going against the Third Prince! When Father hears of this, he won’t let you off easy!”

“Hahaha.” Rong Yu laughed, both delighted and sarcastic. “Second Brother, don’t be ridiculous. When has Father ever let me off easy?”

Since childhood, no matter what Rong Yu did, Rong Xiuyong would always scold and berate him. Even if he did nothing at all, he’d still catch a random lecture. When it came down to it, Rong Xiuyong just couldn’t stand the sight of him.

Because Rong Xiuyong didn’t love Madam Yang. Every time he looked at Rong Yu, he was reminded that he had been “forced” to marry a woman he didn’t love for the sake of money—that was his betrayal of Madam Bai, and it symbolized his own incompetence and humiliation.

The original owner had long since worn away any longing for paternal love under the relentless coldness and reprimands of day after day. And Rong Yu had no feelings whatsoever for Rong Xiuyong. So now, he was completely fearless.

When the enemy comes, we block; when the flood comes, we build a dam. Worst case, he’d pack up and leave. He had more than enough money to live off of for the rest of his life.

Oh wait—he wouldn’t even live out a full lifetime. Even less reason to worry.

“Mo Shu, let’s go.” Rong Yu ordered.

After a few steps, Rong Yu suddenly spoke up. “Chu Tan, it seems Second Brother has something he wants to say to you.”

Behind them, Rong Yue drew in a breath. He did indeed want to talk to Chu Tan. He wanted to know if Chu Tan’s cold had gotten better, if he felt unwell anywhere…

A hint of hope and concern showed in his eyes as he stared intensely at Chu Tan.

Chu Tan, who had been standing silently like a statue the entire time, frowned almost imperceptibly. He found Rong Yue very strange—these past few days, he kept stopping him to say vague, confusing things that left him muddled and unsure what the man was really after.

“If Second Brother has something to say, then maybe don’t say it after all.” Rong Yu drawled. “Chu Tan is mine, after all. Second Brother should keep a proper distance.”

Hehe. Die of frustration, why don’t you.

A flicker of amusement quickly passed through Chu Tan’s dark eyes. The young master’s words made him feel immensely pleased.

The one who wasn’t pleased was Rong Yue. He stared in shock at the three departing figures, his face full of unwillingness.

What did he mean, Chu Tan was Rong Yu’s man…? Were they—had they already gotten to that point?

Back at Bìyǐng Pavilion, Mo Shu caught a glimpse of Chu Tan’s thoroughly delighted expression and felt equally displeased himself. He tugged at the blanket draped over Rong Yu’s knees and muttered, “Young Master, why did you say Chu Tan is your man?”

Rong Yu idly snapped off a newly sprouted willow branch to fiddle with. “His deed of sale is in my hands, so of course he’s my man. Not just him—you’re my man too. Every servant in this courtyard, which one isn’t my man?”

“So that’s what Young Master meant.” Mo Shu beamed with contentment.

The smile in Chu Tan’s eyes vanished.

Half a month later, Rong Yu attended the spring hunt after all.

In the days leading up to the hunt, Rong Xiuyong watched him like a hawk, terrified he’d run off somewhere to hide. If he’d dared not to go, Rong Xiuyong probably really would have tied him up.

Mo Shu lugged big bundles and small packages onto the carriage—not just a change of clothes, but wool blankets, cushions, cloaks, hand warmers… he’d even brought along a small box of silver-thread charcoal.

Rong Yu looked at him speechlessly. “You might as well just move the whole house here.”

Mo Shu said, “I specifically asked Zhizhu, the servant who attends Second Young Master. This hunting grounds is in the mountains—cold weather, strong winds. We can’t be too careful. Who knows what kind of charcoal the palace will provide? It won’t be as good as our own silver-thread charcoal, so I brought a bit for Young Master’s hand warmer.”

With such careful attention, Rong Yu had no choice but to let him do as he pleased.

Even Chu Tan was carrying a large box in his arms.

Rong Yu glanced at him. “What’s in there?”

“Would Young Master like something to eat?” Chu Tan opened it. The box had three layers: one with candied fruits and pastries, one with braised goods, and one with milk tea in a lidded bowl.

Rong Yu raised an eyebrow.

“I knew Young Master didn’t eat breakfast, so I brought this especially.” Chu Tan stared straight into Rong Yu’s eyes, looking like a dog seeking praise.

Rong Yu had been woken up early in the morning and rushed through washing and dressing, which had annoyed him so much he’d lost his appetite. Now, he really was a bit hungry.

He picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and ate it, drank half a bowl of milk tea, then leaned back on the couch to doze.

Disappointed at not receiving praise, Chu Tan pulled the blanket over Rong Yu, then leaned against the carriage wall and closed his eyes as well.

When Rong Yu woke again, they had already arrived at the royal hunting grounds.

Many people had arrived before them. Tents filled the open field. Servants wove through the grounds, sword-bearing guards patrolled the perimeter, and at the center stood all the noble young lords and ladies in their luxurious embroidered robes.

Rong Yu, entering in a wheelchair, was conspicuously out of place. The young masters and misses of various households cast curious, appraising glances his way.

Although Rong Yu had a fearsome reputation, he rarely left the house, and few had ever seen his face. So no one immediately recognized him.

“Which family’s young master is that? Why is he in a wheelchair?”

“That young master is rather handsome.”

“Is he from outside the capital? With a face that pretty, I’m sure I’d remember if I’d seen him before.”

The young ladies clustered together, chatting and laughing. In the Great Zhou, customs were open, and it wasn’t unusual for women to freely discuss men.

“No matter how good-looking, what use is it? He’s still a cripple.” The speaker was a man with a haughty, contemptuous expression.

A young man in blue robes tapped his folded fan lightly and said slowly, “If you want to know who he is, look behind him.”

And so everyone shifted their gazes to the person behind Rong Yu.

“Oh! It’s Second Young Master Rong!”

Unlike Rong Yu, whom nobody knew, Rong Yue was known to everyone. Dressed in a blue brocade robe, tall and elegant, with a beautiful, jade-like face carrying a faint, gentle smile—he was enough to capture everyone’s attention.

Most of the young ladies blushed, casting coy glances his way. Many young men also shot him veiled, admiring looks.

“Second Brother Rong!” A tall youth in fitted hunting attire ran over from not far away, making straight for Rong Yue, a smile lighting up his handsome face. “You’re here!”

“Young General Gu.” Rong Yue smiled and bowed in greeting.

“Call me what? How many times do I have to tell you—just call me Yuezé.” Gu Yuezé put on a displeased face.

Rong Yue quickly apologized. “My mistake. Don’t be angry, Yuezé.”

Gu Yuezé beamed and slung his arm familiarly around Rong Yue’s shoulder. “That’s more like it.”

As he finished speaking, Gu Yuezé turned to look at Rong Yu beside them, his tone hostile. “So you’re Rong Yu?”

“Rong Yu?! You mean that vicious, gloomy Third Young Master Rong of the Rong household?”

“I heard Rong Yu broke his legs a few years ago and his personality became twisted and strange. He’s always beating and killing his servants—apparently, his courtyard hauls out several bloody corpses every day!”

“I’d always heard he was a ruthless devil with the heart of a Yama King. I always imagined him ugly as a demon.”

“So what if he’s good-looking? With a heart that wicked, he’s nothing but a jade-faced demon! How could he compare to Second Young Master Rong?”

…

The whispered gossip reached Rong Yu’s ears. He paid it no mind. But this Gu Yuezé in front of him was annoyingly loud.

“I’m asking you a question! Are you Rong Yu or not?!”

Rong Yu gave him a lackluster glance. “Does Young General Gu have some instruction?”

“Instruction? I’d rather teach you a lesson.” Gu Yuezé looked like he was ready to vent on Rong Yue’s behalf. “So you’re the one who always bullies Second Brother Rong?”

Rong Yu patted his knee. “Young General Gu flatters me. Look at these legs of mine—how could I possibly bully him?”

He turned to look at Rong Yue, smiling with pressed lips. “Second Brother, when have I ever bullied you?”

The moment Rong Yue saw that smile, he was reminded of the time half a month ago when Rong Yu nearly pissed him to death. He wanted to roar: You bullied me half a month ago! No one knows how to bully people better than you!

But to maintain his image of being magnanimous, Rong Yue could only squeeze out an awkward smile. “Of course not. What is Third Brother saying?”

Rong Yue tugged at Gu Yuezé’s sleeve, pleading, “Yuezé, don’t make a fuss.”

His eyes, shimmering with watery light, seemed to carry grievance and hurt, which only made Gu Yuezé even more furious. “Don’t be afraid, Second Brother. I’ll get revenge for you today!”

Gu Yuezé strode up to Rong Yu, about to speak, when a figure flashed before his eyes, shielding Rong Yu behind them.

Gu Yuezé frowned. “And who the hell are you?”

Chu Tan’s face was expressionless, his pitch-black eyes hiding a sharp edge.

“He’s my servant.” Rong Yu said.

“A servant dares to stand before me? Get out of my way!” Gu Yuezé raised his hand to shove Chu Tan aside, only to have Chu Tan seize his wrist. He couldn’t budge an inch.

Gu Yuezé’s face flushed red. He strained with all his might and still couldn’t break free. Enraged and humiliated, he was about to call for his men.

Suddenly, a commotion came from up ahead.

“The Emperor and the Crown Prince have arrived—”

Rong Yu tilted his head and looked up. Amid the crowd of attendants, there was one figure who stood out—tall and imposing.

The man wore dark robes embroidered with dragon patterns, a purple-gold jade crown on his head, and a golden belt at his waist from which hung a translucent white jade pendant. His features were sharply defined, his bearing stately—handsome and distinguished, with an air of extraordinary nobility.

It was none other than the Crown Prince of the dynasty, Yan Mingchen.

[Author’s Note:]

Am I talking too much? I actually feel like what I wrote is a bit wordy too, but I can’t help it, wuwuwuwu