Something Unexpected
Yan Xiaojing’s thoughts drifted to the events after today’s morning court session.
“Master Yan, please wait.”
It was Song Chaobang who called out to Yan Xiaojing. In his fifties, he appeared spirited. He had once been the tutor of the current Emperor, Huangfu Yuchen, as well as the current Crown Prince, Huang Fuxi. He held the position of the Crown Prince’s Tutor, so he was high-ranking official of the first rank. Being the tutor of two Crown Princes, he commanded great respect.
Yan Xiaojing halted his steps and respectfully bowed to him. “So it is Tutor Song.”
Song Chaobang chuckled, amiable and approachable. “Let’s walk together.”
“Tutor Song, please.” Yan Xiaojing walked side by side with him, feeling somewhat puzzled. After distancing themselves from the other officials, he asked, “Does Tutor Song have anything to say to me?”
Song Chaobang patted his shoulder, smiling. “I wanted to congratulate Master Yan. After completing the Crown Prince’s lessons today, I happened to encounter Song Guiren. I heard that your son, Yan Changzai, has recently gained the Emperor’s favor, not only residing in the Imperial Tenglong Palace but also accompanying the Emperor day and night. Isn’t that a cause for great joy?”
“The phrase ‘accompanying the Emperor day and night’ did not sound pleasant. However, considering Tutor Song’s higher official rank and his previous role as the Emperor’s tutor, Yan Xiaojing dared not easily offend him and could only force a smile without uttering a word.
Song Chaobang said, “I called out to Master Yan to exchange greetings and, if you happen to encounter Yan Changzai, I hope you can talk to him and show some care to Song Guiren. I appreciate your help, Master Yan.”
Yan Xiaojing maintained his composure and respectfully replied, “Tutor Song holds me in high regard. Yan Changzai resides in the harem, while I am an outsider. How would I have the opportunity to meet Yan Changzai? Moreover, Song Guiren’s status is far superior to Yan Changzai’s. There is no need for Yan Changzai’s care.”
Song Chaobang silently gazed at him for a moment, then laughed out loud. “Master Yan makes a valid point. It seems I have made a mistake. However, being favored in the harem has never been a good thing. If Master Yan has any message you wish to convey to your son, I can pass it on. Oh, I have other matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave.”
He stroked his beard, smiled faintly at Yan Xiaojing, and turned to leave.
Yan Ge looked at Yan Xiaojing, who seemed lost in thought. “Father, what are you thinking about?”
“Nothing,” Yan Xiaojing snapped back to reality, glared at him, and asked, “Remember to check if there’s anyone around before speaking ill or doing wrong!”
After saying that, he flicked his sleeves and left.
Yan Ge looked puzzled, staring at Yan Su. “When did I speak ill or do wrong?”
Yan Su raised an eyebrow, lost in thought. Why did he feel there was something more to his father’s words?
In the afternoon, after meeting with Bai Jushen and arranging tasks for him, he spent two hours studying the Pharmacopoeia in his office, then returned to the palace.
Inside Tenglong Palace, whenever Yan Changzai appeared, palace maids and eunuchs would automatically retreat outside.
Huangfu Yuchen noticed that Yan Ge returned early today and casually asked, “So early today?”
Yan Ge inwardly shook his head. Every time he came, Huangfu Yuchen would be reading memorial reports. Being an emperor seemed truly exhausting. “I’m resting tomorrow, so I decided to come back early today as well.”
“Resting? Are you done with your work?” Huangfu Yuchen put down his pen, stretching his sore shoulders.
“For the time being.” Yan Ge pointed at Huangfu Yuchen shoulders, “Yuchen, would you like me to show you something?” He had studied the acupoints and massage techniques for improving blood circulation in the pharmacopoeia and decided to use Huangfu Yuchen as a guinea pig. This was also a chance to butter him up.
Deng Mande tried his best to act invisible.
The word “Yuchen” slipped out naturally, and it warmed Huangfu Yuchen’s heart. “Why not? What’s the harm?”
Yan Ge tilted his head, not looking at the memorial reports on the table, and reached out to close them before walking behind Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen smiled slightly. Then, a pair of hands landed on his shoulders, gripping the muscles firmly and lifting them up and down rhythmically.
“You should try balancing work and rest. Being so busy every day is too exhausting. I’ve thought about it, from now on, you will give yourself a day off every ten days. Is it comfortable?”
“Mmm…” Huangfu Yuchen half-closed his eyes. “A bit firmer… Mmm… Good…”
A man’s voice could be lethal when it was too pleasant. Yan Ge’s hands trembled, his face flushed, and he shook his head to clear his mind of distracting thoughts.
“Why did you stop? Continue,” Huangfu Yuchen urged.
Yan Ge had no choice but to continue massaging. “What do you think of my suggestion? Officials have their rest days, and as the emperor, you should have them too.”
Huangfu Yuchen nodded. “Summer is the flood season in the south, so there are more reports from the local areas than usual. From now on, We’ll rest on the first and tenth day of each month. Why don’t you schedule your rest days on those days as well?”
“Alright.”
Huangfu Yuchen relaxed, leaning back in his chair. “The Chunfeng Palace sent you an invitation. Shall We have them turned away?”
Yan Ge shrugged. “This is the fourth time, isn’t it? I’m afraid if I don’t see them again, they might burst into the Tenglong Palace.”
“We’d like to see who dares,” Huangfu Yuchen opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing through them. “If you don’t want to deal with them, you don’t have to agree. We’ll take care of it.”
Yan Ge felt comforted. Huangfu Yuchen was standing up for him, which meant he was starting to value him more. After giving it some thought, Yan Ge decided to prevent Huangfu Yuchen from meeting Song Ruohao and the others. “It’s better to meet them. You’re already busy with state affairs every day. I’ll meet them first, and if they still… I won’t bother with them.”
“Do as you wish,” Huangfu Yuchen acquiesced, seeing his determination.
After dinner, Yan Ge decided to return to Luoxue Palace.
Huangfu Yuchen wanted to say something but ended up just watching Yan Ge leave. It seemed he was becoming more and more accustomed to Yan Ge’s presence. He wasn’t sure if it was good or bad, but deep down, he hoped that Yan Ge would stay by his side for a longer time.
Deng Mande kept his head down in silence. As an observer, he could see that the emperor had developed some feelings for Yan Changzai, something that had never happened with any other palace consort. But he couldn’t say anything; the emperor had to discover it for himself. If the emperor couldn’t see it, then the emperor and Yan Changzai would miss their chance.
“Your Majesty, someone from the Internal Affairs has arrived,” a eunuch reported.
“Tell them they’re not needed,” Huangfu Yuchen said softly.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Tenglong Palace was the emperor’s sleeping quarters and not suitable for receiving guests. As for the Chunfeng Palace, there was no longer a place for Yan Ge there. Following Huangfu Yuchen’s suggestion, Yan Ge decided to host Song Ruohao, Du Zhengfeng, and Zhou Wenhuan at the Tingyu Pavilion. The Tingyu Pavilion was a large gazebo, much larger than the average one, surrounded by trees, making it much cooler than other locations.
The banquet took place on a rainy day, with misty rain veiling the surroundings, softening the summer heat and creating a more pleasant atmosphere.
To prevent the possibility of Zhou Wenhuan mocking him for becoming arrogant after his promotion, Yan Ge arrived a bit earlier with Wan Xiang and Qiuju. Taking advantage of the others’ delayed arrival, he continued studying the pharmacopoeia.”
Song Ruohao, Du Zhengfeng, and Zhou Wenhuan didn’t intentionally arrive late; they were just slightly delayed and arrived together.
Zhou Wenhuan’s gaze fell on Yan Changzai’s attire, and he struggled to conceal his envy.
The four of them exchanged greetings, took their seats in order: Song Ruohao, Du Zhengfeng, Yan Ge, and Zhou Wenhuan. Both Du Zhengfeng and Yan Ge held the title of Changzai, but Du Zhengfeng had it longer.
–“Ding… Side Mission: Eliminate Love Rivals. Send Song Guiren, Du Changzai, and Zhou Daying to the Cold Palace. Time limit: one year. Reward for each elimination: 400 taels of silver, one silver box. Failure penalty: deduction of 400 taels of silver per person. Accept the mission: ‘Yes’ or refuse the mission: ‘No’.”
Yan Ge rubbed his forehead and secretly asked, “Little Jin, 200 taels were deducted last time, and I don’t have 400 taels now. What will happen if it becomes a negative value?”
–Yan Jin replied casually, “If it becomes a negative value, it will affect the system’s functionality, but it’s okay. You can recharge. Master, don’t worry. It’s just a piece of cake for someone as formidable as you to eliminate three love rivals.”
Yan Ge sighed helplessly and chose “Yes,”.
‘Sorry, Song Ruohao, Du Zhengfeng, Zhou Wenhuan. Hopefully, the system won’t make me send all the consorts to the Cold Palace except for you.”
The delicious food ordered from the Imperial Kitchen was quickly served by the palace maids.
As soon as the dishes were served, Zhou Wenhuan couldn’t help but say, “It’s not easy to meet Yan Changzai now that he has a different status.”
Yan Ge pushed the matter onto Huangfu Yuchen. “Living in the Tenglong Palace with His Majesty, I’m already overwhelmed. I’m afraid frequent visits would disturb His Majesty. I can only host the three of you here with His Majesty’s permission. If I have offended in any way, I ask for forgiveness from Song Guiren, Du Changzai, and Zhou Daying.”
Zhou Wenhuan almost suffocated upon hearing those words but managed to maintain his composure. “How can that be? Yan Changzai is now highly regarded by His Majesty.”
Song Ruohao intervened to ease the tension. “Rainy days can dampen one’s mood. Let us raise our glasses in celebration of the past, when we all resided in the Chunfeng Palace, and take the first drink.”
Zhou Wenhuan regained his composure and smiled apologetically at Yan Ge. “Yan Changzai, I apologize for my earlier rudeness. Please do not take it to heart.”
Yan Ge smiled and responded, “No need to worry. Let’s drink.”
After finishing their glasses, Du Zhengfeng spoke, “Yan Changzai, I believe you have already guessed our purpose here.”
Yan Ge shook his head, feigning ignorance. “Please, Du Changzai, speak plainly.”
Song Ruohao personally poured a glass for Yan Ge. “Yan Changzai, you are well aware of the reason, despite pretending not to know.”
Zhou Wenhuan slammed the stone table and glared at Yan Ge. “Since that’s the case, let’s speak plainly. Yan Changzai, we hope you can introduce us to His Majesty.”
Yan Ge fell silent.
Song Ruohao spoke gently, his words penetrating deep into one’s heart. “Yan Changzai, I know what you are thinking. You are worried that we will take away your favor. But who is to say that we three are the only ones who can compete with you for His Majesty’s attention? We do not wish to compete with you, but in this palace, without His Majesty’s favor, one can only end up lonely. That would be too dreadful. Why not be more generous, Yan Changzai?”
“Once the three of us also rise in status, we can even join forces with Yan Changzai. What does Yan Changzai think of this?”
Yan Ge apologized, “Song Guiren, Du Changzai, Zhou Daying, you have put Yan Ge in a difficult position. Although I reside in the Tenglong Palace, I have hardly had the opportunity to meet His Majesty. Ah, please don’t mock me but Yan Changzai has yet to…”
Zhou Wenhuan interrupted him in disbelief, “Are you saying you have never shared the bed with him?”
Yan Ge nodded. The fact that he had not been intimate with Huangfu Yuchen was the truth, and there was no reason to hide it.
Both Song Ruohao and Du Zhengfeng looked at him in astonishment.
Zhou Wenhuan couldn’t believe it. “That’s impossible. If you have not shared the bed with him, why would His Majesty keep you in the Tenglong Palace?”
Yan Ge smiled faintly. “His Majesty’s intentions are beyond my speculation.”
Xing’er approached to pour the wine but accidentally dropped the wine jug, shattering it on the ground. The shards scattered everywhere, and Yan Ge’s clothes were splashed.
She quickly knelt down to pick up the broken pieces, repeatedly apologizing, “Apologies, young masters, apologies…”
Zhou Wenhan was agitated, and he became even more irritable when he saw this, frowning, and scolded: “What are you thinking about absent-mindedly?
“I will clean up immediately.” Xing’er bit her lip, holding the shards in her hands, and quickly left. As she passed by Yan Ge, she stumbled and fell into his arms.
“Hiss!” Yan Ge exclaimed, feeling a warm liquid sliding down his cheek.
“Ah!” Zhou Wenhuan gasped, staring at his face.
Du Zhengfeng stood up abruptly, looking at Yan Ge in shock.
Wan Xiang and Qiuju hurriedly supported Yan Ge, using a handkerchief to dab his face. “Master, your face…”
“How dare you!” A cold, angry shout echoed from nearby. Huangfu Yuchen stood by the flower bushes, his face livid, his intimidating gaze fixed on Xing’er.
Something Unexpected
Yan Xiaojing’s thoughts drifted to the events after today’s morning court session.
“Master Yan, please wait.”
It was Song Chaobang who called out to Yan Xiaojing. In his fifties, he appeared spirited. He had once been the tutor of the current Emperor, Huangfu Yuchen, as well as the current Crown Prince, Huang Fuxi. He held the position of the Crown Prince’s Tutor, so he was high-ranking official of the first rank. Being the tutor of two Crown Princes, he commanded great respect.
Yan Xiaojing halted his steps and respectfully bowed to him. “So it is Tutor Song.”
Song Chaobang chuckled, amiable and approachable. “Let’s walk together.”
“Tutor Song, please.” Yan Xiaojing walked side by side with him, feeling somewhat puzzled. After distancing themselves from the other officials, he asked, “Does Tutor Song have anything to say to me?”
Song Chaobang patted his shoulder, smiling. “I wanted to congratulate Master Yan. After completing the Crown Prince’s lessons today, I happened to encounter Song Guiren. I heard that your son, Yan Changzai, has recently gained the Emperor’s favor, not only residing in the Imperial Tenglong Palace but also accompanying the Emperor day and night. Isn’t that a cause for great joy?”
“The phrase ‘accompanying the Emperor day and night’ did not sound pleasant. However, considering Tutor Song’s higher official rank and his previous role as the Emperor’s tutor, Yan Xiaojing dared not easily offend him and could only force a smile without uttering a word.
Song Chaobang said, “I called out to Master Yan to exchange greetings and, if you happen to encounter Yan Changzai, I hope you can talk to him and show some care to Song Guiren. I appreciate your help, Master Yan.”
Yan Xiaojing maintained his composure and respectfully replied, “Tutor Song holds me in high regard. Yan Changzai resides in the harem, while I am an outsider. How would I have the opportunity to meet Yan Changzai? Moreover, Song Guiren’s status is far superior to Yan Changzai’s. There is no need for Yan Changzai’s care.”
Song Chaobang silently gazed at him for a moment, then laughed out loud. “Master Yan makes a valid point. It seems I have made a mistake. However, being favored in the harem has never been a good thing. If Master Yan has any message you wish to convey to your son, I can pass it on. Oh, I have other matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave.”
He stroked his beard, smiled faintly at Yan Xiaojing, and turned to leave.
Yan Ge looked at Yan Xiaojing, who seemed lost in thought. “Father, what are you thinking about?”
“Nothing,” Yan Xiaojing snapped back to reality, glared at him, and asked, “Remember to check if there’s anyone around before speaking ill or doing wrong!”
After saying that, he flicked his sleeves and left.
Yan Ge looked puzzled, staring at Yan Su. “When did I speak ill or do wrong?”
Yan Su raised an eyebrow, lost in thought. Why did he feel there was something more to his father’s words?
In the afternoon, after meeting with Bai Jushen and arranging tasks for him, he spent two hours studying the Pharmacopoeia in his office, then returned to the palace.
Inside Tenglong Palace, whenever Yan Changzai appeared, palace maids and eunuchs would automatically retreat outside.
Huangfu Yuchen noticed that Yan Ge returned early today and casually asked, “So early today?”
Yan Ge inwardly shook his head. Every time he came, Huangfu Yuchen would be reading memorial reports. Being an emperor seemed truly exhausting. “I’m resting tomorrow, so I decided to come back early today as well.”
“Resting? Are you done with your work?” Huangfu Yuchen put down his pen, stretching his sore shoulders.
“For the time being.” Yan Ge pointed at Huangfu Yuchen shoulders, “Yuchen, would you like me to show you something?” He had studied the acupoints and massage techniques for improving blood circulation in the pharmacopoeia and decided to use Huangfu Yuchen as a guinea pig. This was also a chance to butter him up.
Deng Mande tried his best to act invisible.
The word “Yuchen” slipped out naturally, and it warmed Huangfu Yuchen’s heart. “Why not? What’s the harm?”
Yan Ge tilted his head, not looking at the memorial reports on the table, and reached out to close them before walking behind Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen smiled slightly. Then, a pair of hands landed on his shoulders, gripping the muscles firmly and lifting them up and down rhythmically.
“You should try balancing work and rest. Being so busy every day is too exhausting. I’ve thought about it, from now on, you will give yourself a day off every ten days. Is it comfortable?”
“Mmm…” Huangfu Yuchen half-closed his eyes. “A bit firmer… Mmm… Good…”
A man’s voice could be lethal when it was too pleasant. Yan Ge’s hands trembled, his face flushed, and he shook his head to clear his mind of distracting thoughts.
“Why did you stop? Continue,” Huangfu Yuchen urged.
Yan Ge had no choice but to continue massaging. “What do you think of my suggestion? Officials have their rest days, and as the emperor, you should have them too.”
Huangfu Yuchen nodded. “Summer is the flood season in the south, so there are more reports from the local areas than usual. From now on, We’ll rest on the first and tenth day of each month. Why don’t you schedule your rest days on those days as well?”
“Alright.”
Huangfu Yuchen relaxed, leaning back in his chair. “The Chunfeng Palace sent you an invitation. Shall We have them turned away?”
Yan Ge shrugged. “This is the fourth time, isn’t it? I’m afraid if I don’t see them again, they might burst into the Tenglong Palace.”
“We’d like to see who dares,” Huangfu Yuchen opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing through them. “If you don’t want to deal with them, you don’t have to agree. We’ll take care of it.”
Yan Ge felt comforted. Huangfu Yuchen was standing up for him, which meant he was starting to value him more. After giving it some thought, Yan Ge decided to prevent Huangfu Yuchen from meeting Song Ruohao and the others. “It’s better to meet them. You’re already busy with state affairs every day. I’ll meet them first, and if they still… I won’t bother with them.”
“Do as you wish,” Huangfu Yuchen acquiesced, seeing his determination.
After dinner, Yan Ge decided to return to Luoxue Palace.
Huangfu Yuchen wanted to say something but ended up just watching Yan Ge leave. It seemed he was becoming more and more accustomed to Yan Ge’s presence. He wasn’t sure if it was good or bad, but deep down, he hoped that Yan Ge would stay by his side for a longer time.
Deng Mande kept his head down in silence. As an observer, he could see that the emperor had developed some feelings for Yan Changzai, something that had never happened with any other palace consort. But he couldn’t say anything; the emperor had to discover it for himself. If the emperor couldn’t see it, then the emperor and Yan Changzai would miss their chance.
“Your Majesty, someone from the Internal Affairs has arrived,” a eunuch reported.
“Tell them they’re not needed,” Huangfu Yuchen said softly.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Tenglong Palace was the emperor’s sleeping quarters and not suitable for receiving guests. As for the Chunfeng Palace, there was no longer a place for Yan Ge there. Following Huangfu Yuchen’s suggestion, Yan Ge decided to host Song Ruohao, Du Zhengfeng, and Zhou Wenhuan at the Tingyu Pavilion. The Tingyu Pavilion was a large gazebo, much larger than the average one, surrounded by trees, making it much cooler than other locations.
The banquet took place on a rainy day, with misty rain veiling the surroundings, softening the summer heat and creating a more pleasant atmosphere.
To prevent the possibility of Zhou Wenhuan mocking him for becoming arrogant after his promotion, Yan Ge arrived a bit earlier with Wan Xiang and Qiuju. Taking advantage of the others’ delayed arrival, he continued studying the pharmacopoeia.”
Song Ruohao, Du Zhengfeng, and Zhou Wenhuan didn’t intentionally arrive late; they were just slightly delayed and arrived together.
Zhou Wenhuan’s gaze fell on Yan Changzai’s attire, and he struggled to conceal his envy.
The four of them exchanged greetings, took their seats in order: Song Ruohao, Du Zhengfeng, Yan Ge, and Zhou Wenhuan. Both Du Zhengfeng and Yan Ge held the title of Changzai, but Du Zhengfeng had it longer.
–“Ding… Side Mission: Eliminate Love Rivals. Send Song Guiren, Du Changzai, and Zhou Daying to the Cold Palace. Time limit: one year. Reward for each elimination: 400 taels of silver, one silver box. Failure penalty: deduction of 400 taels of silver per person. Accept the mission: ‘Yes’ or refuse the mission: ‘No’.”
Yan Ge rubbed his forehead and secretly asked, “Little Jin, 200 taels were deducted last time, and I don’t have 400 taels now. What will happen if it becomes a negative value?”
–Yan Jin replied casually, “If it becomes a negative value, it will affect the system’s functionality, but it’s okay. You can recharge. Master, don’t worry. It’s just a piece of cake for someone as formidable as you to eliminate three love rivals.”
Yan Ge sighed helplessly and chose “Yes,”.
‘Sorry, Song Ruohao, Du Zhengfeng, Zhou Wenhuan. Hopefully, the system won’t make me send all the consorts to the Cold Palace except for you.”
The delicious food ordered from the Imperial Kitchen was quickly served by the palace maids.
As soon as the dishes were served, Zhou Wenhuan couldn’t help but say, “It’s not easy to meet Yan Changzai now that he has a different status.”
Yan Ge pushed the matter onto Huangfu Yuchen. “Living in the Tenglong Palace with His Majesty, I’m already overwhelmed. I’m afraid frequent visits would disturb His Majesty. I can only host the three of you here with His Majesty’s permission. If I have offended in any way, I ask for forgiveness from Song Guiren, Du Changzai, and Zhou Daying.”
Zhou Wenhuan almost suffocated upon hearing those words but managed to maintain his composure. “How can that be? Yan Changzai is now highly regarded by His Majesty.”
Song Ruohao intervened to ease the tension. “Rainy days can dampen one’s mood. Let us raise our glasses in celebration of the past, when we all resided in the Chunfeng Palace, and take the first drink.”
Zhou Wenhuan regained his composure and smiled apologetically at Yan Ge. “Yan Changzai, I apologize for my earlier rudeness. Please do not take it to heart.”
Yan Ge smiled and responded, “No need to worry. Let’s drink.”
After finishing their glasses, Du Zhengfeng spoke, “Yan Changzai, I believe you have already guessed our purpose here.”
Yan Ge shook his head, feigning ignorance. “Please, Du Changzai, speak plainly.”
Song Ruohao personally poured a glass for Yan Ge. “Yan Changzai, you are well aware of the reason, despite pretending not to know.”
Zhou Wenhuan slammed the stone table and glared at Yan Ge. “Since that’s the case, let’s speak plainly. Yan Changzai, we hope you can introduce us to His Majesty.”
Yan Ge fell silent.
Song Ruohao spoke gently, his words penetrating deep into one’s heart. “Yan Changzai, I know what you are thinking. You are worried that we will take away your favor. But who is to say that we three are the only ones who can compete with you for His Majesty’s attention? We do not wish to compete with you, but in this palace, without His Majesty’s favor, one can only end up lonely. That would be too dreadful. Why not be more generous, Yan Changzai?”
“Once the three of us also rise in status, we can even join forces with Yan Changzai. What does Yan Changzai think of this?”
Yan Ge apologized, “Song Guiren, Du Changzai, Zhou Daying, you have put Yan Ge in a difficult position. Although I reside in the Tenglong Palace, I have hardly had the opportunity to meet His Majesty. Ah, please don’t mock me but Yan Changzai has yet to…”
Zhou Wenhuan interrupted him in disbelief, “Are you saying you have never shared the bed with him?”
Yan Ge nodded. The fact that he had not been intimate with Huangfu Yuchen was the truth, and there was no reason to hide it.
Both Song Ruohao and Du Zhengfeng looked at him in astonishment.
Zhou Wenhuan couldn’t believe it. “That’s impossible. If you have not shared the bed with him, why would His Majesty keep you in the Tenglong Palace?”
Yan Ge smiled faintly. “His Majesty’s intentions are beyond my speculation.”
Xing’er approached to pour the wine but accidentally dropped the wine jug, shattering it on the ground. The shards scattered everywhere, and Yan Ge’s clothes were splashed.
She quickly knelt down to pick up the broken pieces, repeatedly apologizing, “Apologies, young masters, apologies…”
Zhou Wenhan was agitated, and he became even more irritable when he saw this, frowning, and scolded: “What are you thinking about absent-mindedly?
“I will clean up immediately.” Xing’er bit her lip, holding the shards in her hands, and quickly left. As she passed by Yan Ge, she stumbled and fell into his arms.
“Hiss!” Yan Ge exclaimed, feeling a warm liquid sliding down his cheek.
“Ah!” Zhou Wenhuan gasped, staring at his face.
Du Zhengfeng stood up abruptly, looking at Yan Ge in shock.
Wan Xiang and Qiuju hurriedly supported Yan Ge, using a handkerchief to dab his face. “Master, your face…”
“How dare you!” A cold, angry shout echoed from nearby. Huangfu Yuchen stood by the flower bushes, his face livid, his intimidating gaze fixed on Xing’er.
