He Remained in Bed for Three Days
After washing his hands, Lu Ronghuai climbed onto the bed and lifted the quilt. Chu Yuan suddenly felt a chill below his waist. A pair of hands had already settled at his waist.
“What are you doing?” Chu Yuan twisted around in alarm, his voice still hoarse and carrying a faint tremor.
“Applying medicine.” He held up the little green bottle toward Chu Yuan.
“No. I will do it myself!” Chu Yuan struggled to prop himself up, trying to pull the quilt over himself.
Lu Ronghuai pressed him back. He had not even used much strength before Chu Yuan collapsed weakly onto the bedding.
He lay sprawled across the soft quilt, looking dazed, and his round eyes wide open.
Lu Ronghuai laughed. He raised a hand to massage Chu Yuan’s waist. “You have no strength yet still insist on putting on a brave front. What part of you have I not seen? Lie still and be good.”
At these words, a blush spread instantly across Chu Yuan’s neck. It crept upward until his entire face turned redder than the evening clouds of midsummer.
In the end, half by force and half by coaxing, Lu Ronghuai applied the medicine, then helped him put on his silk trousers again. Chu Yuan covered his face the entire time and lay perfectly still, allowing himself to be handled without a word.
By the time Lu Ronghuai washed his hands and returned, Chu Yuan had already fallen asleep again.
His body was weak. Under the influence of the drug the previous day, the ordeal had been too intense and had drained his vitality.
Fortunately during these past months, Lu Ronghuai had been doing everything possible to nourish his health. With such careful attention, Chu Yuan’s body was no longer as fragile as it had been when he first married into the residence.
Lu Ronghuai held Chu Yuan’s hand and drew him into his arms, kissing his forehead with great care.
They slept peacefully through the night.
Chu Yuan had overestimated his own body. He remained in bed for three days before he was finally able to stand and walk again.
During those three days, Lu Ronghuai handled everything himself. He personally attended to every matter, serving him with remarkable attentiveness.
Xian Yu and the others had wanted to visit the Prince Consort. However, Lu Ronghuai knew Chu Yuan was easily embarrassed and feared they might laugh at him, so he sent them all away. Even Le Shu was turned back.
During this period he closed the doors to visitors. While Zhang Ze and Fang Xinhai presided over the ritual ceremonies, Lu Ronghuai secretly had Xian Feng bring Prince Qi back to the estate.
Prince Qi lay on the bed unable to move. Everything below his waist had lost sensation. The realization filled him with fear.
What made it truly unbearable was that the person who had saved him was Lu Ronghuai.
Prince Qi nearly went mad.
He and Lu Ronghuai had never gotten along since childhood. Heaven knew what kind of torment awaited him now. Both body and mind suffered endlessly. In only a few days he had grown noticeably thinner. His entire appearance became haggard and miserable.
Lu Ronghuai paid it no mind. He had Xian Feng find the most remote courtyard and simply threw Prince Qi there.
After three days of recovery, Chu Yuan finally regained his strength. That day, after finishing the midday meal, he and Lu Ronghuai played chess in the pavilion behind the residence.
Xian Yu entered. “Your Highness, General Fang has arrived with the Fang family’s young master and young lady.”
“What do they want?” Lu Ronghuai frowned in displeasure. Choosing the very moment he was spending time with Ah-Yuan to visit. This family truly had a gift for being tiresome.
Xian Yu replied, “General Fang says he has important matters to discuss with Your Highness.”
“Have them wait in the front courtyard.” Lu Ronghuai tossed away the black chess piece, clearly annoyed.
Chu Yuan placed a white piece upon the board and looked up with a smile. “Your Highness, you have lost.”
“A wager is a wager. Ah-Yuan will accompany me.”
From his sleeve he took out a fine water-colored jade bracelet and placed it around Chu Yuan’s wrist.
Lu Ronghuai pulled him to his feet. Suddenly a mischievous thought crossed his mind. He turned and quietly instructed Xian Feng to carry something out.
Chu Yuan walked beside him at an easy pace. Along the way Lu Ronghuai feared he might tire and offered to carry him. Chu Yuan refused without hesitation.
“Le Shu and the others are watching. Your Highness should mind your conduct.” He brushed away the wandering hand reaching for his waist.
Lu Ronghuai glanced behind them.
The attendants immediately turned their heads away and pretended to admire the scenery.
“There, they are not looking now.”
He wrapped an arm around Chu Yuan’s waist and kissed his cheek with a sound so deliberate and audible it seemed designed to carry.
As if he feared others might not hear it.
“...” Chu Yuan sighed. After becoming accustomed to it, he had even forgotten to feel embarrassed. “Your Highness is even more clingy than before.”
“Am I?” Lu Ronghuai raised an eyebrow.
“What does Your Highness think?” Chu Yuan turned the question back on him.
Lu Ronghuai pondered for two breaths before smiling brightly. “Clinging to my own spouse is only right and proper.”
Chu Yuan had a faint sense that something about that reasoning was not quite right. Yet seeing Lu Ronghuai’s utter confidence, he did not argue further.
“Your Highness, what is General Fang’s relationship with Prefect Zhang?”
Lu Ronghuai replied, “Ordinary. Fang Xinhai arrived here before I did, but he rarely contacts Zhang Ze. Why do you ask?”
“The letter said Zhang Ze was instructed to harm Your Highness. This subject worries they may join forces and act against you.”
“Do not worry. Zhang Ze does not yet dare act against me openly. That is why he turned his hand against you instead. I have already gathered the evidence. Tomorrow will be his last day.”
After Chu Yuan woke earlier, Lu Ronghuai had already explained the truth. The aphrodisiac he had suffered had indeed been arranged by Zhang Ze.
“Is Xue Yingying still in the estate?”
“Mm. That woman is foolish. Releasing her would only cause trouble.”
“Then let her remain for now. Cheng Dawei and the others wish to kill her. Staying here may save her life.”
“Has Your Highness truly gathered the evidence already?” Chu Yuan tilted his head, curiosity clear in his eyes.
Lu Ronghuai smiled. “What? Do you not trust your husband then?”
Seeing him slip once more into frivolity, Chu Yuan answered seriously. “Your Highness is wise and resourceful. This subject naturally trusts Your Highness completely.”
Thoroughly pleased with the praise, Lu Ronghuai leaned close and murmured at some length into Chu Yuan’s ear.
When he finished speaking, Chu Yuan’s expression filled with astonishment. His lips parted slightly in surprise.
As they chatted while walking, they soon arrived at the front courtyard.
When Fang Xinhai saw Prince Li, he displayed a rare smile. The expression was somewhat stiff as he led his son and daughter forward to pay respects.
“This minister greets Your Highness and Prince Consort.”
Lu Ronghuai took the seat of honor and rested his chin upon his hand while looking at Fang Xinhai with amusement. “General Fang’s visit truly surprises this Prince.”
Fang Xinhai naturally heard the mockery within the words. He clenched his teeth inwardly but maintained composure. “Hearing that Your Highness had not left the residence, this minister came to inquire after your health.”
Lu Ronghuai nodded with a smile and sat up straight. “Oh? In that case, seeing that this Prince is still alive must make you very happy.”
Fang Xinhai: “...”
“Mm. This Prince can feel your happiness.”
Fang Shuyu, standing nearby, could not bear to listen any longer. Seeing his father’s complexion shift from green to pale, he stepped forward quickly to ease the tension.
“Is the Prince Consort perhaps unwell? Why are you wearing silk around your neck?” he asked with concern.
Such scarves were usually worn during autumn and winter to block the cold wind. Now that warm spring had already arrived, there was no need for such clothing.
When Fang Shuyu finished speaking, everyone’s gaze turned toward Chu Yuan’s neck.
The slender white neck was wrapped several times in silk cloth, covering it completely.
Embarrassment flickered in Chu Yuan’s eyes. He lowered his gaze, recalling the mottled marks that had not yet faded, and pressed his lips together.
“What concern is it of yours?” Lu Ronghuai suddenly spoke. His eyes narrowed sharply. “Has General Fang never taught you what you may or may not look at?”
The words were all but pointing at Fang Shuyu’s nose and calling him ill-mannered. His face darkened. He was just drawing breath to argue when Fang Rouling pulled him back.
Fang Xinhai glared at him. “Apologize to the Prince Consort at once!”
Fang Shuyu swallowed his anger and offered an apology.
Chu Yuan said calmly, “It is nothing.”
“Very well. Since the Prince Consort says it is nothing, then it is nothing.” Lu Ronghuai looked at him coolly.
Fang Shuyu: “...”
“Speak quickly. This Prince still intends to return and play chess with the Prince Consort and have no time to waste on pleasantries.”
Fang Xinhai exhaled quietly before speaking in a firm voice. “This minister wishes to express goodwill toward Your Highness. Does Your Highness not perceive it?”
Lu Ronghuai feigned surprise. “Show goodwill toward this Prince?”
“Indeed. This minister represents the Fang family in pledging allegiance to Your Highness.”
Silence filled the room.
Lu Ronghuai rose and walked to stand before Fang Xinhai.
“Prince Qi’s body is barely cold. General Fang’s actions seem somewhat improper.”
“The situation at court changes swiftly. Though this minister mourns Prince Qi’s passing, I am also a father. I must consider my children and the Fang family’s future.”
Lu Ronghuai said leisurely, “Then General Fang should pledge allegiance to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince has the people’s support and the emperor’s favor. He will inherit the throne. Pledging allegiance to this prince instead... are you tired of living?”
Fang Xinhai answered firmly, “This minister admires Your Highness’s bold righteousness. Though there have been past disagreements between us, Your Highness is not a man of small and petty mind who would retaliate against a minister for such matters.”
“On the contrary. This Prince is precisely a man of small and petty mind.”
Fang Xinhai: “...”
Fang Xinhai continued, “Your Highness has worked tirelessly to pacify the disturbances here. This minister is willing to remain and share the burden.”
Lu Ronghuai smiled faintly. “General Fang’s intentions move this Prince deeply.”
“This minister—”
“There is no need to hurry. Return and rest for two days first. This prince will certainly have use for you soon enough.”
A quarter of an hour later, Fang Xinhai departed with his children.
Once clear of the front courtyard, Fang Shuyu could not help asking, “Father truly intends to serve Prince Li?”
Fang Xinhai gave a dismissive sound. “Merely a delaying tactic. Once we return to the capital, the Crown Prince will come seeking the Fang family himself.”
“Then Prince Li...”
“Prince Li is cruel and ruthless. With Prince Qi gone, we must not provoke him too strongly. We shall pretend to submit and lower his guard.”
Fang Shuyu relaxed and smiled. “Father is wise.”
Inside the room, Lu Ronghuai narrowed his eyes as he watched the Fang family leave.
Chu Yuan stepped beside him. Lu Ronghuai took his hand and guided him behind the painted screen.
“Your Highness?” Chu Yuan asked in confusion.
Yet the moment he stepped behind the screen, he saw Prince Qi tied to a chair with a cloth stuffed in his mouth.
Understanding dawned immediately.
Lu Ronghuai took a moment to admire Prince Qi’s furious expression.
“Hard to swallow? Your own maternal uncle believed you were dead and rushed here to pledge himself to this Prince. How truly tragic.”
“If this prince were to tell him you are still alive, what expression do you suppose he would show?”
“Though your tailbone is broken. Even if he knew you lived, he would still abandon you.”
Prince Qi listened to this speech with his eyes stretched to their utmost limits. His breathing grew ragged until, overwhelmed with rage, he fainted outright.
Lu Ronghuai appeared satisfied. He ordered Xian Feng to carry the man back.
Chu Yuan asked, “Does Your Highness believe General Fang will truly pledge allegiance?”
“He will not.”
“Will General Fang remaining here hinder your plans?”
“It matters not. Even if he tries, he cannot stop anything. Tomorrow, I will take you to capture a few criminals.”
“After all these pests are captured, I will take you to see something of Ping Cheng properly.”
“The prefectural residence has soldiers. Your Highness should be cautious tomorrow.”
“I have soldiers as well. Better ones than his.”
Chu Yuan was surprised. “Has Your Highness not already surrendered military authority?”
“Indeed. These soldiers are ones I raised myself.”
“...”
Chu Yuan said slowly, “Your Highness has a remarkably bold disposition.”
Lu Ronghuai tilted his head and smiled, squeezing Chu Yuan’s soft palm as he leaned close to whisper meaningfully, “Is boldness the only thing I possess? Mm?”
✧ A Word from the Author ✧
Lu Dog (subtle hinting): Other parts of me are large as well.
Yuan Yuan (unimpressed): Mm. Your face is largest.
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