Raindrops pattered against the windowsill, rustling like lotus flowers blooming and withering in an instant. A cool breeze carried the heavy, wet flower buds from the trees, scattering them beneath the window eaves, their fragrance intoxicating.
The dim lamplight illuminated two young men kneeling by the window.
Lu Yun asked, “Who are you looking for to break into prison?”
After some thought, Prince Chen Liu Chu replied, “Perhaps, I don’t need to look. I’m… waiting for news.”
After talking for about two hours, there was a sudden knock on the door. Liu Chu turned his head, and through the misty air, he saw a young lady entering with flowers. She wore a double-layered purple silk skirt with a colorful waistband, her long hair simply tied in a bun. At the doorway, her face was revealed in a fleeting glimpse, showing extraordinary beauty.
Lu Yun raised an eyebrow: “Why are you here?”
Luo Lingyu removed her shoes at the door and gracefully entered. Her eyes swept over the two gentlemen as she smiled sweetly: “I saw the flowers in the courtyard were beaten down by the rain. It was such a pity, so I gathered them with the maids. I arranged them specially, thinking that my husband and the young master must be tired from talking so late into the night. Perhaps the flower fragrance will help energize you both?”
Hearing this, Prince Chen couldn’t help but look at the flowers arranged in the tray she held. The container was a three-legged black wooden lotus petal tray, filled with various flowers he couldn’t name – red, pink, yellow, and white, of different heights and densities. Each stem was delicately placed, the green leaves and branches spreading like a lush tree supporting the blooming flowers.
Such artistry… Prince Chen gave Luo Lingyu another look. She immediately understood and knelt down to arrange the flowers, explaining with a smile: “These are flame orchids, fairy flowers, wisteria, peonies, early garden bamboo, and boxwood.”
Prince Chen was amazed: “So many?!” It wasn’t easy for an ordinary lady to harmoniously arrange so many different flowers in a single tray.
Luo Lingyu was delighted at his response, feeling proud inside. Since Prince Chen had always been cold towards her with many criticisms. As longtime friends, they naturally shared similar temperaments – the flaws Lu Yun saw in Luo Lingyu, Liu Chu could see as well. But while Lu Yun learned to accept and appreciate them, Liu Chu, perhaps to avoid suspicion or perhaps out of genuine dislike, had always maintained a distant attitude towards her.
Luo Lingyu felt indignant about this. She didn’t need Lu Yun’s friend to bow to her, but at least he could appreciate her, right?
So despite her aching waist and numb legs, she maintained her elegant appearance and graceful steps as she came to arrange flowers for Lu Yun and Prince Chen. Encouraged by the Prince’s appreciation, Luo Lingyu introduced the flowers more earnestly, her smile growing more beautiful.
Lu Yun watched from the side with an ambiguous smile, saying: “Whether we’re tired or not is beside the point, but you certainly have abundant energy.”
His tone was suggestive, implying that she had earlier complained about Prince Chen’s visit disturbing them, crying that she wanted to rest – yet here she was, actively performing the moment she recovered.
Luo Lingyu pretended not to understand and maintained her composed smile. When the maid brought in tea, she sat down and began brewing for both gentlemen. Prince Chen Liu Chu’s eyelid twitched as he watched her several times. When the lady’s delicate hands served him tea, he was momentarily dazed.
Viewing a beauty by lamplight, she was indeed enchanting. Liu Chu couldn’t help but think of another beauty he cherished… His eyes darkened as he wondered if she had fallen ill in the summer heat, and when he would finish his business to see her again.
Luo Lingyu then served tea to Lu Yun, respectfully saying: “Please have some tea, husband.”
Lu Yun took the tea with one hand while pointing at her forehead with the other, half-scolding and half-sighing: “Oh, Lingyu, Lingyu.”
Such intimacy – both reproaching and appreciating her meddling – Lu Yun’s gaze fell on her fair face, his eyes like shimmering light, making the lady blush deeply. Luo Lingyu’s heart pounded as she turned away, covering her forehead with her hand, gently complaining: “Husband, don’t be like this, we have a guest.”
Liu Chu could only say: “A beauty serving tea, how refined of you, Third Brother.”
Lu Yun smiled and shook his head. Only he knew the taste of this moment.
With Luo Lingyu’s intervention, even though she didn’t join the conversation and only focused on brewing tea, Liu Chu and Lu Yun couldn’t ignore her presence and talk too freely into the night. After persisting for another half hour, when the rain lessened, Liu Chu firmly stood up to bid farewell.
He secretly regretted that after Lu Yun’s marriage, he could no longer stay up all night talking with his friend, sharing meals and lodging – those days were over. Would his relationship with Lu Yun grow distant due to Luo Lingyu’s dislike of him?
As Liu Chu rose to leave and Lu Yun moved to get up, Luo Lingyu eagerly said: “I’ll see the young master out!”
Luo Lingyu held an umbrella and, accompanied by servants, escorted Prince Chen Liu Chu all the way out of the courtyard. Several times Liu Chu indicated it wasn’t necessary, but Luo Lingyu persisted. Liu Chu didn’t say much more – truth be told, he was somewhat wary of Lu Yun’s new wife.
At the courtyard gate, as Luo Lingyu bid farewell, she finally said: “Please forgive me, young master. I wasn’t trying to force myself between you and my husband or prevent you from talking. It’s just that my husband has been staying up for several nights due to government affairs. He hasn’t been home or touched his pillow for days. When I saw him this afternoon, he fell asleep while reading on the couch.”
“Normally I wouldn’t stop you and my husband from talking until dawn, but tonight is different. My husband needs rest. I know that as a man, you might not care about such details, but I can’t bear to see my husband suffer. So if I can intervene, I will – even if it displeases both you and my husband.”
After speaking, she bowed slightly to Prince Chen, who was startled and quickly stepped aside. Only then did he realize it wasn’t his imagination – Luo Lingyu had deliberately made him uncomfortable so he couldn’t stay long.
Prince Chen said softly: “It’s fine. I was thoughtless.”
He held his umbrella and watched as the lady gave a gentle smile before turning away, surrounded by servants returning to her quarters. Prince Chen couldn’t help but call out to her, and when she turned back with a questioning look, he said quietly: “Sister Luo, Third Brother has always been lonely. Being able to marry you is his blessing.”
“Take good care of him.”
“You are… wonderful. You and Third Brother are perfectly matched in talent and beauty. There will never be another couple as close as you two. Be loving and cherish each other. Don’t let each other down.”
Luo Lingyu was surprised. Through the curtain of rain, she gazed at the gentleman’s elegant features, her heart stirring slightly. Prince Chen and Lu Yun had been close friends for many years, but Prince Chen rarely spoke. Although Luo Lingyu had been married to Lu Yun for several months, this was the first time she heard Prince Chen acknowledge how well-matched they were. Luo Lingyu was overjoyed – she had finally gained the recognition of Lu Yun’s friend.
She decided that since Prince Chen loved flowers, she would send more tomorrow when the weather cleared.
Luo Lingyu returned to her room in high spirits. When she entered, she saw Lu Yun still sitting in his previous position, the tea set untouched, his demeanor elegant as he sat properly staring at the tea on the table, clearly waiting for her. The lady paused, and before Lu Yun could scold her, she blinked her eyes, quietly went over to him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and began to cry.
Lu Yun said coldly: “Crying won’t work on me.”
After a while, as his neck became wet, he couldn’t help but move, putting his arm around her shoulders, his voice softer than before: “Why are you crying? Who upset you?”
Luo Lingyu looked up with tears in her eyes, choking: “No one upset me. I just saw how exhausted husband looks, yet still forcing himself to stay up. My heart aches so much.”
Lu Yun: “…”
He raised an eyebrow, realizing he had been tricked into softening his heart again.
But committing to the act, Lu Yun reached out to touch her chest, teasing: “Your heart aches? Let brother feel how much it hurts. Is it enough to make up for driving away my friend?”
Luo Lingyu trembled, her face turning red, cursing him as a lecher in her heart while allowing his wandering hands. His touch was gentle and teasing, making her weak at the waist, nearly falling from the sensation. Luo Lingyu bit her lip to hold back her moans, burying her face in his neck, trying hard to cry: “Really, I’m not lying. Xuechen doesn’t take care of himself, and I love brother so much, of course I must look after you. Brother hasn’t closed his eyes for several nights, tonight you should sleep.”
She said many things, how clever she was, hiding her concern and reasons within, repeatedly reminding Lu Yun while speaking softly and gently, not enough to provoke his displeasure. Everything she did was to smooth his feathers, making Lu Yun feel completely at ease. He sighed, understanding why although many could see through Luo Lingyu’s self-interest, they still enjoyed being with her.
With such methods, it was too easy for her to please someone. Even someone as cool-headed as him, though aware of her tactics, was indeed soothed by her.
Such a lady – whoever married her would be blessed. Lu Yun’s closeness with her was simply because she liked him.
Lu Yun pulled Luo Lingyu into his arms and kissed her: “Good sister, it’s late now. Don’t chatter anymore, rest with your husband?”
Luo Lingyu worried: “Husband, lust dulls the mind.”
Lu Yun chuckled: “What are you thinking? You lustful one.”
Luo Lingyu gave him a look but sweetly wrapped her arms around his neck, letting him carry her to bed, where they extinguished the lamp and went to sleep.
The sound of rain continued throughout the night.
Lu Yun and Luo Lingyu slept neck to neck, having sweet dreams all night.
…
Kong, a former retainer of Prince Henyang Liu Mu, secretly infiltrated Jianye City, searching for old connections to rescue Liu Mu. After several failed attempts, Kong realized through hints from old friends that Liu Mu was now in a deadly situation – ordinary people wouldn’t dare to help, fearing trouble.
Kong secretly sent a letter to his former master, the Empress Dowager. The letter vanished like a stone in the sea – even the Empress Dowager wouldn’t care about her young son’s life and death.
Kong was terrified, only now realizing that Liu Mu must have caused great trouble. In desperation, he sought help from the powerful Lu family of Jianye, appearing before Lu Xian. Unexpectedly, while all the young lords of Jianye now avoided Prince Henyang’s matter like the plague, Lu Xian agreed to help.
Kong was half-believing, half-doubting.
Unknown to him, all his activities in Jianye City were being monitored. The day after he met with Lu Xian at his residence, someone reported this meeting to Prince Chen Liu Chu. Liu Chu pondered thoughtfully: So it was Lu Xian?
Lu Xian’s connections were easy to investigate. Lu Xian’s wife, Princess Ningping Liu Tang, was Liu Chu’s own sister. When Liu Chu casually asked Liu Tang a few questions, the little princess who wanted to protect her husband stammered, and Liu Chu instantly understood.
Liu Tang anxiously said: “Brother, don’t be like this! I didn’t say anything, my husband hasn’t done anything!”
Liu Chu calmly replied: “Neither have I.”
Liu Tang didn’t understand his words, and could only anxiously tell Lu Xian about her brother’s visit when he returned, fearing it would affect Lu Xian’s plans. Lu Xian was somewhat confused – in the past, when Prince Chen visited, he always went directly to Third Brother. Why was he now coming directly to his door?
Lu Xian was uneasy, and although he feared Lu Yun would refuse to help due to the trouble, he was more afraid of Liu Chu causing problems. He had no choice but to visit the “Clear Courtyard” to seek Lu Yun’s assistance.
Although Lu Yun was surprised that it was Second Brother who wanted to save Prince Henyang, after hearing about Liu Chu’s reaction, he smirked and reassured his brother very perfunctorily: “It’s fine. He’s been expecting you.”
Lu Xian became even more confused, but after much thought, he still steeled himself, thinking that since Third Brother hadn’t stopped him, it should be alright.
…
His Majesty the Emperor wanted Prince Henyang dead, but Prince Henyang was innocent. He was imprisoned in the Grand Marshal’s Temple, and the prison officials didn’t know what to charge him with or how to sentence this prince.
Their superior, Prince Chen Liu Chu, maintained an ambiguous attitude. In the following days, no matter what happened to Prince Henyang, Liu Chu remained silent. The subordinates gradually realized the delicacy of the situation and began avoiding the massive trouble that was Prince Henyang.
Since this was an irreconcilable conflict, Lu Xian felt that doing anything else would be useless. The Emperor would not relent – as in his dream, most people hoped Prince Henyang would die cleanly. Even if Prince Henyang died, given the Emperor’s attitude, few would even pay respects to the young prince.
Lu Xian wanted to save Liu Mu, unwilling to let him die unjustly. Since the Emperor was useless, he had no choice but to take the path of breaking into prison.
He mobilized the Lu family’s private soldiers, temporarily training them and dressing them in night clothes to prevent any connection to the Lu family. Then he investigated the shift system at the Grand Marshal’s Temple, when the soldiers and officers changed guard. He drew maps of Jianye’s terrain, memorized them thoroughly, and kept them in mind. He considered the problem of pursuers they might encounter on the road, night patrol personnel, and various possible accidents.
During these days, Lu Xian exhausted himself planning these matters.
By mid-June, the old Emperor fell seriously ill, and court officials all went to visit him. The old Emperor had nightmares of people trying to kill him, and in his fear, he demanded troops come to protect the palace. Before others could react, Prince Chen accepted the order to station the Grand Marshal’s Temple’s troops at Taichu Palace. As a result, the security at the Grand Marshal’s Temple was not as strict as usual.
When this matter was discussed in court, Lu Xian was startled and couldn’t help but look at Prince Chen. The prince’s eyes were black, silently calm. Lu Xian secretly suspected that the old Emperor’s nightmare was too coincidental – he had heard that Prince Chen had sent beauties to the old Emperor… Could there be some reason behind this?
But he quickly abandoned this speculation, thinking it impossible. Prince Chen had always been diligently busy with official duties, only seeing others use such schemes to harm him, never using such methods himself. The image of Prince Chen silently doing practical work had, over the years, become deeply ingrained in his mind.
Other princes felt the same way.
The scholars also felt Prince Chen was practical.
After court dismissed, everyone dispersed, and no one discussed Prince Chen further. Only Prince Zhao Liu Huai, who was recently overwhelmed with troubles, felt uneasy. Having dealt with Prince Chen several times and gained no advantage, although there were some misunderstandings, he thought that Prince Chen might well understand Lu Yun’s methods.
Unfortunately, even Prince Zhao now had no energy to cause trouble for Prince Chen – he had been impeached for colluding with northerners, and now those northerners were imprisoned in Prince Chen’s Grand Marshal’s Temple. If the northerners spoke up, providing human testimony, even the Emperor wouldn’t protect him.
Prince Zhao paced in his residence, again humbly sending people to seek Prince Chen’s mercy. Prince Chen, upright and incorruptible, reported this matter in court the next day, making Prince Zhao’s face turn from green to white. Originally, he had wanted to slander Prince Chen before the Emperor, but unexpectedly, the old Emperor fell ill and wouldn’t see anyone.
And the old Emperor trusted Prince Chen’s ability to handle matters, even entrusting court affairs to him. Since usually these trivial matters were already handled by Prince Chen. The court officials subtly realized something different – could this be a sign of the heir apparent?
Prince Chen Liu Chu maintained a calm expression, regardless of others’ speculations. He knew his father never trusted him, and might even harbor killing intent towards him. But once someone falls ill, they lose control over many things.
Others speculated whether the beauties he sent to the palace had done something to the old Emperor, but Prince Chen neither confirmed nor denied. Women could only be used for their “beauty.” The old Emperor’s body was depleted, yet he still couldn’t let go of his desires – how could he blame him for being cruel?
Prince Chen’s schemes and years of endurance, after he made a certain decision, everything became factors he could utilize.
…
And this mid-month evening, when the Grand Marshal’s Temple’s security was relaxed, Lu Xian specifically changed into night clothes and used his connections to visit Liu Mu in prison.
Through the bars, Lu Xian hurriedly called: “Young master, young master…”
The young prince, cross-legged and eyes closed, wearing only inner clothes, sat on withered grass. His clothes were stained with blood, he had become much thinner, was unshaven, and had gained a composure he didn’t have before.
Lu Xian: “Liu Mu!”
Liu Mu’s eyelids twitched as he raised his eyes. As if not recognizing him, he stared at the youth outside the prison. That youth was as refined as a landscape painting, gentle as jade, smiling at him – it felt like meeting across lifetimes.
Liu Mu stared at him in a daze, finally croaking: “You… you came to laugh at me?”
Lu Xian: “Quick! Change clothes, come with me!”
He signaled his followers to unlock the cell, directly stepping in and pulling up the dazed youth. Lu Xian turned back to scold: “Why are you dazed? Quick, come with me. I’m here to save you.”
Liu Mu shuddered: “What… breaking into prison?!”
How had it come to this?
Were he and Lu Xian really such close friends?
…
That same night, shortly after, Prince Zhao Liu Huai also bribed his way into the Marshal’s Temple to get someone. The old Emperor was sick and couldn’t handle affairs. To clear his own crimes, Liu Huai came directly to the Marshal’s Temple, intending to kill the key person being held by Prince Chen. As long as that northerner didn’t implicate him, even if those court officials suspected him, they couldn’t find a reason.
Prince Zhao would still be the glorious Prince Zhao!
Prince Zhao brought private soldiers to the Marshal’s Temple, climbing over the wall, saying in a sinister voice: “That leader is already dead, the Northern Princess is probably dead too… as long as we kill that Yue Zihan, no one will know what I did!”
…
Lu Yun and Luo Lingyu were at this time seeking an audience with a nun at Jianye Temple. Luo Lingyu was completely confused, not understanding why instead of sleeping, she had to meet some nun with her husband for a late-night discussion.
With many servants following, the lady sat below Lu Yun, helping him watch the chess game. Luo Lingyu occasionally glanced out the window, then back at Lu Yun. Lu Yun lowered his head, smiling slowly: “Tonight husband will let you watch a good show, how about that?”
…
And at the same moment, Prince Chen Liu Chu, who should have returned to his residence, surprisingly was in the Marshal’s Temple. Sitting in a dark room, playing chess with himself in the darkness.
Hearing Lu Xian and Prince Zhao successively appear, Liu Chu’s lips curved slightly.
The show had finally begun.
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