Chapter 60
“Ye?” Murong Qiufeng stopped outside, frowning as he shook off Shangguan Ye’s hand. His voice was puzzled as he called out to him, unsure why Shangguan Ye was behaving so coldly toward the emperor. Weren’t they brothers? Why did they seem more like enemies?
Shangguan Ye turned back, his brows furrowed with displeasure. “Stay away from him from now on.”
Murong Qiufeng was caught between laughter and exasperation. “That’s the emperor. What exactly is going on?”
Shangguan Ye pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes slightly, leaning closer to Murong Qiufeng and staring straight into his eyes.
Murong Qiufeng’s face heated slightly, and he instinctively took a step back.
Shangguan Ye abruptly turned away. “It’s nothing,” he said before striding forward.
Murong Qiufeng froze for a moment, then sighed helplessly, pressing his hand to his forehead before quickly following.
The two didn’t take a carriage but instead walked out of the palace on foot.
Seeing Shangguan Ye’s poor mood, Murong Qiufeng didn’t ask any more questions and simply walked quietly by his side.
The streets were still bustling, filled with merchants’ cries and the lively chatter of people. As evening approached, taverns and inns began to liven up as well.
Shangguan Ye’s anger gradually dissipated. Though Murong Qiufeng hadn’t asked about or offered comforting words, his silent companionship conveyed care that reached Shangguan Ye’s heart, softening him.
He suddenly felt a surge of gratitude—grateful to have met Murong Qiufeng, grateful to have secured him by his side. Murong Qiufeng was like a beacon, naturally attracting attention wherever he went. Anyone who encountered him or spent time with him couldn’t help but be drawn to his charm and charisma.
Lost in their own thoughts, the two walked on, oblivious to how conspicuous they were. Their striking appearances and graceful demeanor were like pearls amidst sand, drawing all eyes in the bustling streets.
Especially Murong Qiufeng—though Lu City was known for its distinguished individuals, someone as dazzling as him was a rarity.
As for Shangguan Ye, his commanding aura was equally impossible to ignore. Many began whispering, some recognizing him. Those who had seen him during the recent wedding procession couldn’t hide their shock.
Murong Qiufeng, at first unaware, gradually noticed the unusual gazes and hushed discussions around them. Feeling uneasy, he frowned slightly and suggested, “Why don’t we find a teahouse to sit for a while?”
Shangguan Ye didn’t want Murong Qiufeng to endure so many stares either, so he nodded.
Just as they stopped, a sudden commotion arose in the crowd. A scruffy young boy darted toward Murong Qiufeng, about to collide with him.
Shangguan Ye instinctively pulled Murong Qiufeng back a step, but Murong Qiufeng reflexively reached out to steady the boy, preventing him from falling.
The boy, however, pushed Murong Qiufeng’s hand away forcefully and tried to keep running. Behind him came the sounds of pursuit and shouting.
Shangguan Ye narrowed his eyes, stepped to the side, and pulled Murong Qiufeng out of the way. Then he reached out and grabbed the boy’s wrist.
Startled by the sudden grip, the boy’s face paled, and he struggled while shouting, “Let me go!”
“Ye,” Murong Qiufeng called out, confused by Shangguan Ye’s actions as he grabbed his arm to stop him.
Shangguan Ye’s piercing gaze bore into the boy. “Hand it over.”
“W-What? Hand what over? Who are you? Let me go!” The boy’s face stiffened, fear betraying his youth.
Shangguan Ye tightened his grip, causing the boy to cry out in pain.
The people who had been chasing the boy decided to scatter upon seeing the situation.
Murong Qiufeng froze for a moment before realizing what had happened. He quickly reached for his waist and discovered his jade pendant was missing, understanding instantly.
The boy’s dust-covered face turned even paler as his cries drew murmurs from the crowd, who recognized him as a habitual thief.
Murong Qiufeng sighed and stepped forward, placing his hand gently on Shangguan Ye’s wrist. He shook his head in silent plea.
Though Shangguan Ye was reluctant, he loosened his grip slightly.
Murong Qiufeng turned to the trembling boy and spoke softly, “That jade pendant is very important to me. I can’t let you keep it. But how about this? I’ll trade you for it.” As he spoke, he pulled out a small, exquisitely crafted dagger.
The dagger gleamed gold and was inlaid with a red gemstone, clearly a valuable and extraordinary item. It was a gift from Yun Feiyang meant for display, and Murong Qiufeng had intended to pass it on to his younger sister, Murong Qiujun, but had forgotten to do so.
The boy’s eyes lit up when he saw the palm-sized but exquisitely crafted dagger. Yet his expression quickly turned wary as he glanced at Murong Qiufeng with a guarded look. Tentatively, he asked, “Re-really?”
“I don’t lie,” Murong Qiufeng said with a gentle smile, spreading his hands. One held the dagger. “A dagger for the jade pendant. What do you think? I can see you’re quick and agile, with good potential. If you devote yourself to learning martial arts, you’ll undoubtedly achieve great things. This dagger is perfect for self-defense. And if you’re in urgent need of money, the gemstone alone is worth ten times the value of the pendant.”
The boy’s face turned pale. He looked at Murong Qiufeng in disbelief, lips pressed together as if unsure whether to trust him. After a moment’s hesitation, he seemed to make up his mind.
Shangguan Ye had already released the boy’s wrist and was now watching Murong Qiufeng, whose gentle smile was mirrored in his own softening gaze.
“Alright.” The boy finally decided, quickly snatching the dagger before disappearing into the crowd. In Murong Qiufeng’s other hand, the jade pendant reappeared.
Murong Qiufeng turned to Shangguan Ye with a smile. “If that boy meets the right mentor, he could accomplish great things in the future.” The implication was clear—this talented young boy was an opportunity, a person Shangguan Ye could nurture.
Shangguan Ye paused, realizing Murong Qiufeng’s meaning. His earlier irritation dissipated entirely as the corners of his lips lifted in a light smile, his mood visibly brightened.
“Excuse me, are you Big Brother Murong Qiufeng?”
A timid voice interrupted their exchange. A young girl hesitantly approached, her small frame trembling as she glanced nervously at Shangguan Ye, clearly intimidated by his imposing presence.
Murong Qiufeng turned toward her, a hint of confusion in his expression. “Yes, I’m Murong Qiufeng.”
“Someone asked me to give this to you,” the girl said, her voice almost a whisper. She quickly handed him a small piece of paper. “They said it’s from an old acquaintance.” The moment the words left her mouth, she darted off, vanishing into the crowd.
Murong Qiufeng unfolded the note, his brow furrowing slightly as he read the address. Shangguan Ye leaned in slightly, curious about the sudden message.
