Chapter 20
“Yun’er’s health is still weak; why did you make the special effort to come?” Shangguan Ye looked at Murong Qiuyun, who shrank back like a mouse before a cat upon seeing him. He felt very satisfied— the more afraid she was of him, the smoother his plans would go, just needing a little push…
“Your Highness,” Murong Qiufeng noticed his sister’s tension and, worried Shangguan Ye might pick up on something, quickly spoke up for her. “Yun’er hasn’t been well lately. She made the effort to greet you despite her condition. Please forgive her if she is unable to join the toasts later.”
Shangguan Ye nodded. “Health comes first. It’s noisy and crowded here. Why don’t you rest in the side hall for a while and join us later?”
Murong Qiufeng had already planned this. He disliked the atmosphere here. Since Shangguan Ye gave him such an opportunity, he naturally wouldn’t refuse. “That’s a good idea. I’ll accompany Yun’er to rest and not disturb Your Highness.”
“Oh no, let the maids accompany her. You stay and chat with me. Someone, help Miss Murong to the side hall and take good care of her.”
“Yes.” Two nearby palace maids quickly stepped forward to assist Murong Qiuyun.
Murong Qiuyun had wanted to get away from Shangguan Ye since he approached. Now given the chance, she couldn’t wait to leave. She immediately released Murong Qiufeng’s arm and, forcing a smile, thanked Shangguan Ye before leaving.
She didn’t know why she was so afraid of Shangguan Ye. Despite mentally preparing herself before coming, she still couldn’t face him calmly.
Murong Qiufeng gave her a few more instructions and watched her leave until she was out of sight. Then he walked outside with Shangguan Ye.
The Chancellor originally intended to introduce Murong Qiufeng to the court officials, but when he turned around, he found the siblings were gone. Upon inquiry, he learned they were with the Prince, which made him beam with satisfaction.
Many officials also noticed Prince Ye and Murong Qiufeng together, chatting familiarly, and began to form their own calculations.
Once outside, Murong Qiufeng finally breathed a little easier. His previously tense body relaxed. Perhaps it was because he was already familiar with Shangguan Ye that he no longer felt nervous around him, allowing himself to be natural and genuine.
Noticing Murong Qiufeng’s relaxed demeanor, Shangguan Ye felt a surge of joy seeing how accustomed he was becoming to showing his true self. Teasingly, he asked, “What do you think of this kind of banquet? If you enter court as an official, you won’t be able to avoid such gatherings. If you act like today, you’ll be taken advantage of.”
He wasn’t really advising him, just teasing. He had no intention of letting Murong Qiufeng get involved in the corrupt world of the court. He intended to bring him under his wing before he stepped into the court.
Murong Qiufeng smiled bitterly and shook his head. “I actually have no desire to enter court. You saw for yourself that I’m not suited for officialdom— I’m neither shrewd nor talented.”
“What do you want to do most?” Shangguan Ye asked, pleased to hear he didn’t want to become an official.
Murong Qiufeng looked up at the high-hanging moon, reminiscing about his days in the mountains. A gentle smile appeared on his lips. “I’d like to wander the world freely, then retire to the mountains in old age. Enjoy the simple pleasures of a hermit, planting herbs, fishing, playing music, and painting. But…” But that’s just a dream. As a nobleman, he couldn’t choose his own path. This thought brought a hint of sadness to his face.
Seeing his gentle smile under the moonlight, Shangguan Ye felt a warmth in his heart and wanted to embrace him. But seeing his sudden sadness, he felt a pang of sorrow. Unconsciously, he put an arm around Murong Qiufeng’s shoulders. Realizing what he was doing, he quickly patted his shoulder and said with a smile, “Life is unpredictable. Perhaps your wish will come true.”
Shangguan Ye’s gesture felt natural to Murong Qiufeng, perhaps because he was used to his senior brother Yun Feiyang doing the same. He didn’t find it strange and simply smiled bitterly, saying nothing more.
Shangguan Ye noticed his expression and changed the subject. “Have you finished composing that tune?”
“The tune?” Murong Qiufeng looked up, surprised, and turned to Shangguan Ye.
They were so close that when he turned, their faces were only inches apart. Murong Qiufeng, focused on the tune, didn’t notice the closeness, but Shangguan Ye, always harboring ulterior motives, was deeply affected.
Seeing his fair, jade-like face up close, his clear, star-like eyes full of confusion and devoid of any guard, his long eyelashes casting shadows, and his slightly parted lips in surprise seemed like an invitation to Shangguan Ye.
Taking a deep breath, Shangguan Ye subtly distanced himself, fearing he might do something regrettable.
“That unfinished score, didn’t you get it?” he asked calmly, suppressing his thoughts.
Murong Qiufeng paused, then suddenly realized and looked at Shangguan Ye with bright eyes, all previous sadness gone. “Was that score yours? I should have known. In this city, you’re the only one I know who could have it.”
“Your Highness, how did you obtain that score? Do you know who composed it?” He asked eagerly, his passion for music breaking through.
Shangguan Ye watched Murong Qiufeng’s excitement, eyes full of amusement. Though he hadn’t found any information about Murong Qiufeng’s time away from the Chancellor’s mansion, it didn’t stop him from understanding him. Given time, understanding this straightforward young man was quite easy. He was glad to have claimed him first; otherwise, he might have been taken by someone else.
“That score was taken from a tribe during a battle years ago. I didn’t know what it was and kept it. Knowing your love for music, I thought you might be interested. It must be extraordinary if it’s considered a treasure. If you can play it, I’ll be delighted to listen.”
