Chapter 62 - Split the Dragon Bed in Half
Aware that this elder statesman would likely report today's events to the Emperor upon returning to the palace, Teng Yu embraced Yin Xu from the front and proposed, “Since there's no need for us to enter the palace today, shall we continue our earlier amusement?”
Yin Xu chuckled, leaning into the embrace, “Your untidy appearance begs for a bath. Shall we?”
Teng Yu murmured teasingly into Yin Xu's ear, “So you wish to bathe together with me. Was yesterday's encounter not satisfying enough for you?”
“The Highness' Bath Tide Lake is vast and inviting. I have no desire to leave,” Yin Xu replied.
“Then let's not delay any further.” Teng Yu, still holding Yin Xu, rose with a cheerful expression, addressing Lai Jiquan, “I won't monopolize Manager Lai's time any longer. Han Sen, see our guest off!”
Exiting together, their camaraderie evident from their departing figures, Teng Yu and Yin Xu walked side by side. Manager Lai, with his deep internal energy, caught snippets of their conversation even from a distance.
Lai Jiquan raised an eyebrow, probing Han Sen, “It's unusual to see the Third Prince show such concern, but it doesn't seem directed towards the one who saved my life.”
Han Sen grimaced, “It's more than just appearances. His Highness seems unwilling to part with Huo Tian now, even permitting him to stay in the Scenic Garden. It's a privilege even royal consorts wouldn't enjoy.”
Astonished, Lai Jiquan remarked, “Is that so? The Third Prince is truly…” Ludicrous.
Han Sen, understanding his sentiment, maintained a fa?ade of shared concern, “Let's hope His Highness comes to his senses soon.”
“Indeed. It's common knowledge that those by the Third Prince's side are transient, and Huo Tian is no ordinary servant. Once granted an official position by the Emperor, they'll likely depart together.”
After seeing Lai Jiquan off, Han Sen spat disdainfully at the retreating carriage, “You cur!”
Teng Yu and Yin Xu weren't feigning; they genuinely desired a bath. With faces smudged and bodies drenched in sweat from their two-hour spar, they sought refreshment.
“The General Yun he mentioned earlier, was it Yun Heran?” Yin Xu assisted Teng Yu in untangling his long hair and removing the fruit stuck to his body.
“Yes, logically, a border-guarding general shouldn't enter the capital without the Emperor's summons. Yun Heran must be here to eliminate him.”
“Then we must stay vigilant. If our families unite, we might need to devise strategies.”
“It's inevitable. The Yun Family went to great lengths to assist the Royal Father in ascending the throne, all for Teng Yi's benefit. Only with Teng Yi on the throne can the Yun Family be deemed the true pillars of the nation.”
“You must watch out for that obstacle. Don't stumble. The Seventh Young Master is quite arrogant and despises impoverished princes.”
Teng Yu turned, resting against Yin Xu's side, his gaze profound. “For the Seventh Young Master's sake, I cannot fail.”
“Of course, the Third Prince's residence is too confined. I desire a place in the Imperial Palace.”
“Very well. When you ascend to the throne, I shall yield half the dragon bed to you.”
They exchanged glances for a moment, finding the topic somewhat frivolous before shifting their attention elsewhere.
Teng Yu cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation back to the primary subject, “Upon Yun Heran's return to the capital, he'll undoubtedly visit the Army Department. Given Teng Ji's presence there, conflict between the factions seems inevitable.”
“Speaking of bustling activity,” Teng Yu remarked, “I've heard reports from the manor staff about the recent liveliness in the capital. Numerous artists have congregated on the west side of the street, creating quite a spectacle. Shall we go and witness it?”
“With the year drawing to a close, the streets are sure to be teeming with life. I'll take you for a stroll later to witness the capital's vibrancy firsthand,” Teng Yu proposed, intending to expose the rural youth to the city's hustle and bustle.
Yin Xu nodded, “It's a good opportunity for me to acquaint myself with local affairs and geography.”
Teng Yu couldn't help but wonder, “Are you planning another expedition to locate the unmarked grave?”
“There's a detailed map of the capital in the study; you're welcome to use it,” Teng Yu offered, deciding to have Han Qing mark the grave's location on the map instead of relying on directions from others.
“Hurry up and freshen up; we shouldn't dally,” Yin Xu urged, tossing a damp cloth at Teng Yu to wipe his face clean.
Though the facial stains were easily removed, cleaning his hair proved more time-consuming. By the time they finished, it was nearing noon.
After instructing Han Sen to forgo preparing lunch, Teng Yu led Yin Xu out, flanked by two imposing guards, giving the impression they were embarking on a military sortie rather than a leisurely outing.
Pedestrians instinctively made way for them, rendering additional guards unnecessary. The once bustling street fell silent in their wake.
Yin Xu observed as a mother hurriedly pulled her young son to the side of the road, covering his mouth to stifle any noise.
As they continued, he overheard multiple mothers cautioning their children, “Stay away from that person in the future, or else the Devils will come for us at night…”
“Devils?” Yin Xu chuckled, nudging Teng Yu, “It seems the Third Prince's fearsome reputation is bordering on mythical.”
Teng Yu, accustomed to such reactions, attributed it to years of carefully curated persona. Yet, Yin Xu, a novice, remained unfazed.
Unaware of the true extent of the Demon Lord's influence, Yin Xu couldn't comprehend the inherent menace of the Cultivation World.
Previously, anywhere Teng Yu ventured, cultivators would tense in fear, wary of attracting the devil's attention. Even possessing treasures, they dared not conceal them.
The duo strutted through the city to the renowned Immortal Mansion, now bustling with patrons as dinner hour approached. The hall's attendants darted about like flames amidst the tables.
Despite not initially feeling hungry, the lively ambiance and tantalizing aromas stirred Yin Xu's appetite.
A squadron of over twenty guards barged in, swiftly cordoning off the hall and ejecting all the patrons.
The shopkeeper, a bit slow to react, hurried over and bowed deeply to greet Teng Yu.
“Oh my, it's been quite a while since Third Prince graced our humble establishment. I've kept the private room reserved for you. Would you like to ascend?” With your esteemed presence here, how could we possibly serve other patrons?
Teng Yu glanced at Yin Xu, leaving the decision to him.
Yin Xu surveyed the scene, noticing the other diners hastily consuming their meals with heads lowered, as if eager to depart.
Feeling disgruntled, he gestured toward a table near the window and said, “There.”
The designated spot happened to be occupied by a group of scholars dining. Their lively chatter ceased upon Teng Yu's arrival, and upon seeing Yin Xu's indication, a mix of embarrassment and indignation flickered across their faces.
The Immortal Mansion boasted the capital's finest dining experience. Reservations were a must, and after finally securing a table and ordering a selection of fine wines, they were summarily displaced after just a few bites?
“Bah!” Flushed with anger, he exclaimed loudly, “As a prince, you neglect your duties to the nation and its people. Instead, you squabble over trivial matters and mistreat law-abiding citizens.”
Silence befell the onlookers as they gaped at the impassioned scholar. Some, recognizing his identity, sighed knowingly, “Brave lad, but it's no wonder he's failed the Imperial examinations five times. Such behavior…” Tsk tsk
Yin Xu never anticipated someone refusing to yield even after sharing a meal and securing a table.
Yet, the consequence of his brazen words was Han Qing pinching his chin shut and stuffing a chicken leg into his mouth, effectively silencing him before unceremoniously tossing him out the window by his collar.
“Brother Qing He…” A fellow scholar at the table couldn't bear it any longer. He glared at Han Qing and rushed out to intervene.
Fortunately, they were only on the ground floor. Otherwise, Yin Xu might have sustained serious injury.
The shopkeeper broke into a cold sweat, instructing the waiters to clear the table, but Teng Yu intervened, speaking gently, “No need. Remove the table and allow the other patrons to resume their meals. I've always adhered to principles; I've never engaged in petty quarrels or frivolous activities. It would be preposterous to subject law-abiding citizens to such spectacle, lest I be stained with their misbehavior.”
“Of course…” “Absolutely!” The shopkeeper exchanged a meaningful glance with the assistant.
“Take care not to spill the soup. A stable foundation is built on meter by meter and meal by meal. We cannot afford wastage.”
The waiters' hearts raced. Their hands shook, causing the dishes to clatter. Some even slipped from their grasp.
“Fool!” The shopkeeper scolded nervously from the sidelines. “Steady your hands!”
“Never mind, the wooden table is cumbersome. Don't trouble them further. This meal is my invitation, and also an apology for our earlier disturbance.”
A hushed silence fell over the room. The shopkeeper's hair stood on end. When had he witnessed such magnanimity and reasonableness from Third Prince? This was highly unusual! Too unusual!
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