The white undergarment complemented his fair skin perfectly. The smooth and flawless waistline, the sleek back, the alluringly delicate butterfly bones, and the firm, rounded backside. His long, slender, and seductive legs—all of them were only glimpsed in a fleeting glance, but it was enough to make Shangguan Ye’s blood rush. No… it should be said that his whole body was flushed.
Shangguan Ye watched as Murong Qiufeng entered the water. He took a deep breath, his voice hoarse. “You stay in the bath. I’ll go prepare something.” He then quickly turned and walked away.
In this situation, if he really stayed, something would definitely go wrong.
Murong Qiufeng turned his head, watching Shangguan Ye rush off. He felt a bit confused, but at the same time, he breathed a sigh of relief. His heart had almost jumped out of his chest just now. What could two men do? He wasn’t sure. But when feelings were involved, he couldn’t help but compare it to a romantic relationship between a man and a woman. It made things awkward—that was completely natural.
“Uh… W-Wangye?” Youxiang, who had been eavesdropping by the door, pressed her mouth with her hands to stifle her laughter. She couldn’t help but silently marvel. She never expected her usually cold and stern master to have such a mischievous side. She was really getting a treat for both her eyes and ears.
But then she heard Shangguan Ye’s last words and the sound of his footsteps. She froze, not having enough time to escape before he came out and saw her. His dark, intense gaze was filled with unmet desires.
Youxiang’s heart skipped a beat. Oh no. Was she going to be the punching bag again?
“What are you doing here?” Shangguan Ye squinted at her.
“Uh, I just… I came to ask if Wangye and the young master need any incense,” Youxiang quickly came up with an excuse.
Shangguan Ye snorted. “Come here.” He said as he turned and walked off.
Youxiang made a face and muttered inwardly, “Master, you can’t bring yourself to hurt the young master, but please don’t take it out on us innocent people. We’re all born of the same parents.”
Standing in the corridor, Shangguan Ye gazed in the direction of the hot spring. His voice deepened as he asked, “What’s the status?”
Upon hearing this, Youxiang immediately became serious and replied in a low voice. “Yunli Monastery is considered a royal monastery. There’s no evidence, so we can’t just arrest anyone. However, I’ve sent spies inside. As expected, all traces have been destroyed, and several people have been killed. The abbot has already submitted a report to the Dali Temple. I fear that they will get involved in the investigation soon.”
“As for the Xiangfu, we’ve found something concerning,” she continued, her eyes filled with anger and worry as she hesitated.
“Speak.”
“The people hidden in the Xiangfu, the main suspects have been killed. Before they were killed, they were all related to… Murong Hao, or rather, they were called to do something. Also, the prime minister’s wife mentioned that her plan to visit the Buddhist temple was known only by her two maidservants, the prime minister, and his son and daughter-in-law in advance. The rest only learned about it when she left the next day. But it was clear that a trap had been set up at the temple. If no one had leaked the information…”
Her words made it quite obvious. “Ah, and I also inquired about the events from that night. A Si said that the prime minister’s wife had clearly been comforted by the young master, but Murong Hao happened to enter at that moment. What he said seemed to be automatic, but it carried a subtle suggestion of hypnosis that made the prime minister’s wife wake up. I believe it wasn’t just a coincidence. There must be something suspicious, and the young master seemed to have suspected Murong Hao that night.”
Shangguan Ye slightly narrowed his eyes, his expression unreadable, though his hands behind his back tightened slightly. After a long silence, he finally spoke. “Spread the word. Tell everyone that Murong Qiufeng’s injuries are severe. Although his life was saved, he may never speak again. Send out invitations to doctors everywhere. Include a message for the Emperor and ask him to issue an official notice. The prime minister is injured and may temporarily be unable to manage state affairs. I’ve been busy with court matters recently and have no time to take care of it. After discussion, we recommend Murong Hao as a temporary replacement to assist Hou Qianxing in investigating the Buddhist temple case.”
Youxiang’s eyes lit up. Her heart instantly relaxed a little. It seemed that the master had already anticipated everything. This tactic of redirecting the trouble was brilliant. Let them fight among themselves. Hou Qianxing was very clever, and with Murong Hao as his ally, he would definitely become his pawn. “Understood. I will take my leave.”
Shangguan Ye stood for a while, feeling that it was about time. He then turned and walked towards the hot spring.
Inside, Murong Qiufeng had already dressed and was sitting on the warm jade couch, staring blankly. His inky black hair hung loose, still wet from the bath, making his back damp. It seemed like he hadn’t even noticed it yet. He appeared to be lost in thought.
Shangguan Ye furrowed his brows and approached, standing behind him. He gently lifted his hair and used his internal energy to dry it. “What are you thinking about? So deep in thought.”
Murong Qiufeng snapped back to his senses and paused briefly before shaking his head. “Nothing.”
“Is it… that you’re worried about your brother?” Shangguan Ye gently caressed the smooth strands of hair, letting them slip through his fingers. He felt a subtle sense of peace, wishing that he could stay like this forever, doing such things.
Murong Qiufeng’s body stiffened, and he lowered his head slightly. “You… have figured something out?”
“Nothing, but whether I figure it out in the future is unknown. Feng, I’ve said it before—if you can’t make up your mind, let me handle it. I’ll take care of it. You just focus on recovering. In a couple of days, I’ll arrange for you to enter the palace in the name of treatment.” He sighed softly, pressing his hand on his shoulder.
Murong Qiufeng shivered. He turned his head with a look of helplessness in his eyes. “Maybe we’re just overthinking things.”
“If he really is innocent, I won’t make things difficult for him. I’ll protect him.” Shangguan Ye raised his hand, tucking a lock of hair from his face behind his ear. He then took the jade pendant from his waist and used it like a ribbon to tie his hair back.
Murong Qiufeng rubbed his forehead, his voice hoarse. “What if…”
“State laws exist for a reason. Moreover, if he really did something as foolish as that, it wouldn’t just be murder; it would be treason—betraying the country. That would involve the entire family.”
Murong Qiufeng’s face turned ashen, pale to the point of looking sickly. His whole body went cold, and he looked at Shangguan Ye with helpless eyes.
It was said that a righteous official would find it hard to handle family matters. Although they were half-brothers, they were still brothers. But this brother not only wanted his own family dead, but he also endangered the country.
Shangguan Ye sat down. “Don’t worry. The law is made by people. I’ll make sure both of you are protected. I hope he doesn’t make such a foolish mistake.”
“Let me handle it. I’ll take care of it, and I won’t make things difficult for you.”
Shangguan Ye looked at his pale face in silence for a moment. “I’ll let you handle it, but you must follow my instructions without question, no matter how big or small.”
“Alright.”
