Chapter 73

As night deepened, the group bid farewell in front of the restaurant.

Shen Tengfeng felt the painful lightness of his money pouch at his waist. Fortunately, the three brothers hadn’t drunk any alcohol, otherwise the money he brought today might not have been enough, which would have been terribly embarrassing.@@novelbin@@

However, money was just an external possession. Being able to treat Gu Ruoyi to a meal was proof of a great improvement in their relationship. There would be more opportunities for interaction in the future, and it could increase her goodwill towards him a little bit. He was very satisfied!

“Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, Miss Gu, we’ll be going now.”

“Alright, Sixth Brother, take it slow on your way.”

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Shen Yian and Ye Liyan walked away side by side, leaving the four behind.

“Fifth Brother, shall we escort Miss Ruoyi back to her mansion together?” Shen Jingyu suddenly suggested, smiling as he looked towards Gu Ruoyi.

“Ah? Sure, Fourth Brother.”

Shen Tengfeng replied in surprise, also looking at Gu Ruoyi.

Faced with both of their gazes simultaneously, Gu Ruoyi only felt her cheeks burning, but ultimately didn’t refuse their kindness.

The Martial Marquis’s mansion wasn’t very far, and the group arrived quickly.

Standing before the main gate, hearing that his daughter had been escorted back by two princes, Gu Qing hurriedly came out to pay his respects and invited the two to come in and sit for a while.

Shen Jingyu politely declined, saying it was already late and he didn’t want to disturb them. Seeing this, Shen Tengfeng also declined.

After leaving the Martial Marquis’s mansion for a distance, Shen Jingyu chuckled lightly: “Fifth Brother, the imperial palace doesn’t seem to be in this direction, does it?”

“Well… Fourth Brother, can I ask you something?”

Shen Tengfeng seemed a bit awkward, his hands fidgeting in front of him.

“Do you need to borrow money?” Shen Jingyu asked after pondering for two seconds.

“No, no, no, it’s not about borrowing money.”

“It’s something embarrassing to say… it’s just…”

“I understand.”

Shen Jingyu interrupted Shen Tengfeng with a sigh and a smile: “Come on, let’s go back to my mansion first. I’ll have the servants prepare a carriage to send you back.”

He had somewhat forgotten that this half-brother of his, known as the great playboy, had been afraid of the dark since childhood.

“Thank you, Fourth Brother…” Shen Tengfeng smiled sheepishly, scratching his cheek in embarrassment.

“It’s a small matter, no need for thanks.”

As they walked, Shen Jingyu tucked his hands behind his back and suddenly spoke while looking at Shen Tengfeng’s profile in the moonlight: “Fifth Brother, do you like Miss Ruoyi?”

“Huh? What?! Fourth Brother, w-w-what are you saying? Miss Gu and I have only met twice, how could I possibly li-like…”

Shen Tengfeng was startled by this sudden question, his gaze constantly shifting, his words becoming incoherent and his voice getting smaller and smaller. His sideburns hid his reddening ears.

Shen Jingyu didn’t reply, looking up at the night sky with a visible smirk on his lips.

Interesting.

On the other side, Shen Yian and Ye Liyan walked hand in hand down the long alley, their pace getting slower and slower, as if their hearts were in sync, constantly slowing their steps.

“Have you been happy these past few days with Uncle Ye?”

Ye Liyan lowered her head and softly replied, “Very happy, thank you, Your Highness.”

Three thousand sword intents crossed the sky, the barbarian chief died, Great Qing launched a northern expedition to Liaodong, and her father guarding the northern frontier suddenly returned. She didn’t need to connect these events to guess why His Highness had suddenly left for many days.

Her father’s return was largely due to His Highness’s efforts.

Entering the Barbarian Nation, slaying the barbarian chief with his sword – such a heroic feat, His Highness had accomplished it.

His Highness was truly amazing.

Compared to him, she was like a firefly next to the bright moon – how could a tiny firefly compare to the brilliant moon…

“What are you thanking me for? I’m also very happy that Uncle Ye could return.”

Shen Yian sighed inwardly. What had this girl imagined again? Why was she exuding negative emotions again?

He had originally planned to pass on [Sword] and [Splendid Blossoms] to Ye Liyan on the way, but after careful consideration, he decided against it for now. He didn’t want her to be distracted lately, better to let her spend time with her family.

“Being very happy is not enough, you should be very happy every day.”

The big hand suddenly let go of the small hand it was holding. Ye Liyan’s body visibly trembled, her heart panicking.

The next second, she felt warmth at her waist as her whole body was pulled towards someone.

Shen Yian embraced her slender waist and looked up at the moon: “The moon is so full tonight.”

“Your… Highness.” Ye Liyan softly leaned against Shen Yian, her beautiful azure eyes instinctively looking up.

As if the heavens were deliberately opposing Shen Yian, the already not-so-full moon was firmly obscured by a few wisps of clouds that had drifted over from who knows where.

“Ahem, the night wind is cool. I’m afraid you might catch a cold.” Shen Yian’s face reddened as he forcibly changed the subject.

“Thank… you for your concern, Your Highness.”

Ye Liyan’s small face flushed crimson. Seeing the surrounding darkness, she suddenly stood on tiptoe, attempting a sneak attack.

Unexpectedly, Shen Yian sensed it and reacted even faster. With a turn of his head, their eyes met as a faint, moist sensation touched his lips.

Everything was indescribably wonderful~

The journey to the Duke of State’s mansion, which should have taken just over ten minutes, took them half an hour. They were like a young couple who had been on a date all day, finally parting reluctantly.

The speed back to the prince’s mansion was much quicker. Shen Yian and Yin Hai traveled through the air, arriving in the mansion’s courtyard in just a few moments.

E Lai and Cheng Hai had already returned.

Cheng Hai had truly witnessed E Lai’s appetite tonight. That meal would have been enough for ten men – truly befitting a senior.

“Fu Sheng, was there anything unusual in the mansion while I was away?”

“Your Highness, that evil-nurturing jar suddenly became a bit restless,” Fu Sheng replied gravely, holding the jar.

Shen Yian took the jar and sneered, “It must be nearing the time. The evil spirits inside have awakened and are getting eager!”

“Your Highness, Ghost Face and the others will arrive tomorrow morning,” Yin Hai reported.

“Tomorrow morning? Excellent!”

“There’s one more thing, Your Highness. The three thousand peach wood swords have all been completed and are being transported to Tianwu City.”

Shen Yian nodded: “Have them delivered directly to the guild. I’ll retrieve them personally.”

“Also, Yin Hai, tomorrow have Chou Niu go to the Thousand Gold Pavilion to buy some intelligence. I want to know who’s temporarily in charge of managing Four Symbols City when the Martial Guard Division Four Symbols are not there!”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Ah, I’m a bit tired today. I’ll go to rest first. The chess set is on the bookshelf if you’re bored and want to play, just take it.” Shen Yian got up from his chair and stretched, wanting to get a good night’s sleep while the faint fragrance still lingered on him.

After Shen Yian left the study, Yin Hai and Fu Sheng’s gazes met, their understanding unspoken.

The next day, Shen Yian woke up early and began practicing martial arts in the back garden, greeting the first rays of sunlight. His focus was on strengthening his body and nourishing his kidneys.

On the rooftop, Yin Hai, who hadn’t slept all night, opened his slightly closed eyes and said softly: “They’re here.”

As he spoke, four figures silently entered the prince’s mansion.

“Your Highness!” Ghost Face’s voice called out.

Shen Yian exhaled deeply and stood still, a smile appearing on his face as he said: “You’ve arrived.”

“Greetings, Your Highness!” Wolf Head and Bai Shi bowed.

“No need for formalities. Wolf Head, how are your injuries?”

Wolf Head lowered his head and respectfully replied: “Reporting to Your Highness, I’ve fully recovered.”

“That’s good.”

Shen Yian nodded, his gaze sweeping towards the fourth person wrapped tightly in a black cloak.

“And this is…”

“A zombie?”