Chapter 28
The delicate white steam rose slowly, filling the entire room with warmth.
Though it was only early autumn, the weather had already turned cooler, and the night temperatures had dropped significantly, carrying a chill. Stepping into this warm embrace, Murong Qiufeng felt his entire body relax, sinking into a state of laziness.
He looked at the hot spring in front of him, which could accommodate more than ten people, and was surprised to find that the Prince of Yue was someone who truly knew how to enjoy life. He had thought that soldiers would be quite casual.
Murong Qiufeng had seen hot springs before. In fact, at the Immortal Sword Sect, Yun Feiyang had created a hot spring in his independent courtyard. Murong Qiufeng, who was generally indifferent to fame and wealth and had a simple personality, was actually pampered by Yun Feiyang.
Yun Feiyang, although he appeared like a refined gentleman with a spring-like smile and jade-like warmth, was as tyrannical and autocratic as Shangguan Ye. The difference between them was that while Shangguan Ye showed one face to Murong Qiufeng and another to everyone else, Yun Feiyang’s tactics were similarly manipulative. Without Shangguan Ye’s intervention, Murong Qiufeng might have been fully entangled in Yun Feiyang’s web over time.
Shangguan Ye was ruthless and bloodthirsty, while Yun Feiyang was a smiling killer with a cruel heart. The two were equally formidable—one commanding the Death Hall, the other controlling the Twilight Breeze Pavilion, the most feared organizations in the martial world: the foremost assassination hall and the top intelligence agency.
“Is something wrong? If you don’t like it, I can have someone make other arrangements,” Shangguan Ye asked, noticing Murong Qiufeng standing at the door, unmoving.
Murong Qiufeng snapped back to reality and quickly shook his head. “No, it’s perfect. I was just surprised to see that the Prince’s residence has a hot spring.”
“Heh, this was set up by my elder brother. He used to enjoy staying at the residence and had a hot spring built here. I haven’t been back for many years, but the servants maintain it well. Don’t worry, the water is fresh and clean,” Shangguan Ye replied cheerfully, showing no pretense.
Murong Qiufeng felt a bit embarrassed and quickly added, “No, that’s not what I meant… Thank you for your hospitality.”
“Ha, didn’t I say there’s no need to be formal? It’s the least I could do,” Shangguan Ye said, leaving the interpretation up to individual understanding. “Alright, enjoy your bath. I won’t disturb you.” With that, he cheerfully turned and closed the door behind him.
Murong Qiufeng sighed, walking slowly to the edge of the hot spring. He crouched down, dipped his hand into the water, and found it pleasantly warm and clear. He could see the shiny stones at the bottom, and the water flowed continuously from a bamboo pipe, hence the name “living water.”
In this weather, the hot spring was indeed an irresistible temptation.
Murong Qiufeng smiled slightly, efficiently undressing and folding his clothes, then stepped into the water. However, he was startled to find unusual marks on his body.
Looking down, he noticed that his skin was covered in red patches, some even turning purple. He hadn’t checked this morning, but the severity of the allergic reaction surprised him. Was something wrong with his body?
He touched the red patches and felt a slight sting.
His brows furrowed in concern.
At that moment, the door creaked open, and someone walked in.
Despite the mist, Murong Qiufeng recognized the visitor as Shangguan Ye, who had just left.
Seeing Shangguan Ye unexpectedly enter while he was…
Murong Qiufeng instinctively sank deeper into the water, and noticing the transparency of the water, he nervously called out, “Stop!”
“Hm? What’s wrong?” Shangguan Ye asked with a slight rise in his tone, clearly puzzled.
Murong Qiufeng, noticing Shangguan Ye’s calm expression, realized he might be overreacting. His initial irritation dissipated, and he thought perhaps Shangguan Ye’s casual demeanor in the army had made him this way.
“Prince, is there something you need?” Murong Qiufeng asked, his tone still distant but betraying his nervousness.
Shangguan Ye raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. He then held up a small bottle. “Oh, I almost forgot to give you this medicine. Use it on your skin; it will help with the allergy.”
Emphasizing the word “allergy,” Shangguan Ye’s eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief, though his expression soon turned serious again.
Murong Qiufeng felt he had misjudged the situation and was grateful for the Prince’s consideration. He felt a bit awkward but maintained his decorum. “Thank you, but you can just leave it there. I’ll apply it later.”
The heat and the redness of his skin, along with the marks, added an unexpected allure to his appearance.
Shangguan Ye noticed the intense heat in the room and felt slightly parched. “I’ll help you. There are places you can’t reach by yourself.”
“No need,” Murong Qiufeng protested, startled, and then felt embarrassed for his reaction. He thought he might be overreacting. “Thank you, Prince, but I can do it myself.”
“Alright then, I’ll leave. Be careful not to stay in too long and catch a chill,” Shangguan Ye said, not pressing the issue. He placed the bottle on a nearby stone platform and left with a final reminder.
Once the door closed, Murong Qiufeng sighed in relief, feeling a sense of exhaustion. Leaning against the stone wall, he furrowed his brow, puzzled by why he had been so flustered and anxious in front of Shangguan Ye. He felt his reaction was overly sensitive, especially since they were both men. He felt a pang of frustration at his own behavior.
Murong Qiufeng had only stayed at the Prince’s residence for two days before being summoned back to the Prime Minister’s residence. The reason for his recall was so shocking that Shangguan Ye almost lost his composure—he was called back to attend a matchmaking meeting.
Though Murong Qiufeng was somewhat displeased, he had been mentally prepared for this day. He wasn’t as concerned about marriage as a woman might be, so he bid farewell to Shangguan Ye and returned to the Prime Minister’s residence. Little did he know, the atmosphere there had shifted from paradise to hell in his absence.
