Chapter 83

Xie Tingzhou’s pent-up anger ignited into a blazing fire, burning all the way to his throat.

“Your Highness, Your Highness.”

“Xie Tingzhou!” Shen Yu couldn’t help but call out his name.

Xie Tingzhou abruptly turned around, his eyes like those of a hawk, glaring at her.

With every step he took forward, she took a step back, until she was pressed against a pillar with nowhere to retreat.

Sometimes, he truly wanted to tear her apart, to see what made her so special.

Yet he also didn’t want to, because when she smiled or chattered, it made his long-dormant heart stir.

Xie Tingzhou was conflicted.

He lowered his gaze and said, “I remember you said that your life belongs to me.”

He had a faint scent of pine wood, which lingered around her nose.

In the past, Shen Yu didn’t find it peculiar, but now she found the scent made her feel relaxed and diminished her willpower.

Turning her head away, she said, “When my tasks are done, you can take my life if you want.”

Xie Tingzhou chuckled softly, “Weren’t you just calling me by my name? You’ve got some nerve.”

Shen Yu frowned and complained, “If you had answered when I first called, I wouldn’t have had to shout your name.”

Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed from the corridor. Xie Tingzhou glanced towards the end of the hallway and saw Uncle Zhong chasing after them, dragging his aged body, followed by two young attendants who were worried he might fall.

Xie Tingzhou took a step back and said, “I won’t interfere with your friends, but you better not get too close to Pei Chunli.”

Shen Yu looked up, puzzled, “Why?”

“His father is the Marquis of Xuanping,” Xie Tingzhou said slowly, “and the Marquis is a supporter of the Crown Prince. With Emperor Tongxu nearing the end of his reign, you should understand the implications.”

Shen Yu thought for a moment, nodding somewhat in comprehension.

Xie Tingzhou continued, “With Emperor Tongxu on his last legs, there’s fierce competition within the court. With so many princes, surely a few have ambitions for the throne.”

Uncle Zhong, rushing over with his attendants, overheard this crucial political statement and nearly collapsed in fear.

Such words could get them executed.

Hastily, he turned around with his men, instructing them to keep their mouths shut.

Fortunately, they were trustworthy people from Beilin.

Xie Tingzhou’s gaze passed over Shen Yu’s head, seeing that Uncle Zhong had left.

In a calm tone, he said, “Right now, everyone is watching and waiting. Taking sides too early means taking risks.”

“Whose side are you on, Your Highness?” Shen Yu suddenly asked. “You have the support of Beilin and ten thousand Qingyun Guards. Surely many would want to recruit you.”

Xie Tingzhou narrowed his eyes and withdrew his gaze, “What if I said I’m on my own side?”

Shen Yu was stunned, her eyes widening in surprise.

Xie Tingzhou suddenly turned and smiled, “Just teasing. The court is already a mess. Who would want to take over such a disaster?”

Shen Yu quickly covered his mouth, glancing around cautiously. “Are you crazy? You can’t just say things like that.”

Her hand was warm, with small calluses from years of wielding a knife, but otherwise very soft.

Xie Tingzhou’s lips moved, his warm breath brushing against her palm, “Only you can hear.”

Feeling his lips against her hand, Shen Yu quickly pulled back, rubbing her palm behind her back. Her palm itched, the sensation spreading to her heart.

Was Xie Tingzhou’s mouth poisonous?

Seeing her reaction, Xie Tingzhou lowered his head and said, “I don’t care if you befriend Pei Chunli, but don’t drag the Beilin Palace into it.”

Such a heavy warning, directly placed on her. How could she act now? It was more effective than the tight hoop around Sun Wukong’s head.

Shen Yu snorted, “I can’t bear such a crime.”

A breeze blew, and Xie Tingzhou covered his mouth, coughing lightly.

Shen Yu stood in the direction of the wind, complaining, “Why are you so weak?”

Her instinctive action softened Xie Tingzhou’s heart.

He chuckled softly, “If you grow a bit taller, you might shield me from the wind.”

Wasn’t that just calling her short?

Shen Yu retorted, “You—”

“Go back,” Xie Tingzhou said gently.

He had long noticed Uncle Zhong standing in the distance, seemingly with something to say.

Shen Yu looked over and saw Uncle Zhong glaring at her from afar.

She complained, “Uncle Zhong seems to dislike me more and more.”

The always charming Shen Yu finally hit a wall with Uncle Zhong.

As she passed Uncle Zhong, he gave her a fierce glare, looking as if he wanted to tear her apart.

She didn’t know how she had offended Uncle Zhong, but he had been critical of her since she entered the mansion.

Uncle Zhong approached, advising, “The wind is strong here, Your Highness. You should go inside to rest.”

Xie Tingzhou nodded, and Uncle Zhong followed him back to Qingpuxuan. After some thought, he decided to speak up.

“Your Highness,” Uncle Zhong said respectfully, “Shi Yu is untrustworthy, having unclear relations with the Little Marquis.”

Xie Tingzhou raised his eyebrows slightly, “How unclear?”

Uncle Zhong was a disciplined man, not one to speak ill of others.

But he couldn’t forget the Duke’s instructions.

The old Duke had said, “Xie Tingzhou is the only one capable in Beilin. If he goes down that path, I’d rather die than face our ancestors.”

The Duke had even pretended to wipe his dry eyes, though Uncle Zhong didn’t expose him.

The Duke added, “Tell him that those concubines are not optional. If he sends them back, I’ll come to the capital myself.”

“And,” the Duke had said, “find a way to get rid of that bodyguard. He was fine in Beilin, not interested in women or men. But in just a few months, everything changed.”

Uncle Zhong, who had been with the Duke since childhood, had risen to the position of chief steward. He felt obligated to fulfill his duty.

With renewed determination, Uncle Zhong said sternly, “I overheard the Little Marquis saying they spent a night together in the past. They… I can’t bring myself to say it.”

“You, repeat every word,” Uncle Zhong pointed to a maid from the hall.

The maid knelt, trembling, regretting getting involved.

Everyone in the mansion knew how indulgent Xie Tingzhou was with Shi Yu. Not only did he allow him free rein, but he also assigned him a separate courtyard with maids.

Rumor had it Xie Tingzhou even assigned a young maid to prevent any romantic entanglements, showing his caution.

Now, with the appearance of the Little Marquis, Xie Tingzhou might become enraged and kill everyone who heard.

Better to have been deaf.