For some reason, even though Zhao Chufeng was a man who did not hesitate to do unspeakable things, Yan Yihuan still believed he wouldn’t go back on his word. Thinking back, since that night at Fengyue Tower, he had barely eaten anything and was already so hungry that his vision was blurring.
Huai De brought in the food, and the fragrant aroma instantly filled the air, causing a rather embarrassing sound from his palm which was resting on his stomach. Yan Yihuan stiffened, not daring to move, his face turning red to the tips of his ears. He didn’t dare to speak, but his desire to eat was clear in his moist eyes fixed on Zhao Chufeng.
Zhao Chufeng’s heart stirred. He had intended to tease him a bit more—after all, didn’t Yan Yihuan just declare that he would starve himself? But in the end, he ultimately held back. He withdrew his hand and even thoughtfully tied Yan Yihuan’s belt for him.
“Go ahead and eat.”
Only then did Yan Yihuan dare to move. Once the food entered his mouth, he completely relaxed. He quickly ate a few mouthfuls, and the grievances in his heart burst forth like a dam breaking, he could no longer hold back.
He had never suffered such indignity in his life!
Growing up in Linjing, not only was he never subjected to such hardship, but even a slight injury would stir up a commotion throughout the entire royal residence. In all his years, this was the first time he had truly felt what it was like to be so hungry that his chest was nearly stuck to his back.
Yan Yihuan buried his face in his bowl, eating and sniffling. He didn’t want to lose face in front of Zhao Chufeng, but he simply couldn’t help it.
“I didn’t do anything to you today, why are you crying?”
Zhao Chufeng pulled a stool over and sat at the table. Just as he finished speaking, Yan Yihuan lifted his head from the bowl, his peach-like eyes glaring fiercely at Zhao Chufeng.
“I’m not crying!”
“Alright, alright,” Zhao Chufeng didn’t expose him but instead agreed and even picked up some food for him. “You’ve been hungry for a long time, so eat slowly. Otherwise, if your stomach hurts later, how will you be able to walk?”
Yan Yihuan turned his back, vigorously wiping his eyes with his sleeve, then obediently ate the food Zhao Chufeng had picked for him. Only after seeing Zhao Chufeng’s approving smile did his anxious heart calm a little.
Just wait, Zhao Chufeng. Once I return to the Residence of King Yan, I’ll make you pay back a hundredfold.
At that time, I’ll tie you up, whip you thoroughly, then starve you for three days, and then… then I’ll make you cry and beg for mercy under me, just like you did to me!
Zhao Chufeng propped his chin in his hand, watching Yan Yihuan’s face alternate between dark and bright expressions. His gaze settled on Yan Yihuan’s increasingly flickering eyes and the reddened tips of his ears.
Just a few bites in, and he’s already lost in wild thoughts?
The bright red ear tips made his earlobes look even whiter and fuller. Zhao Chufeng recalled that night when he had taken them into his mouth. Yan Yihuan had instinctively shrunk his neck, his sweet, soft moans lingering in the air. The more he tried to hide, the more Zhao Chufeng pursued, until their bodies became tightly intertwined…
“I’m full.”
The sudden voice interrupted Zhao Chufeng’s wandering thoughts. For once, he awkwardly cleared his throat, crossed one leg over the other, and adjusted his posture with a casual air.
“Take me back to the guest residence quickly,” Yan Yihuan said cautiously with a hint of ingratiation, fearing that one wrong word might upset this unpredictable man again.
“Tsk, how old are you, yet you still get food all over yourself,” Zhao Chufeng seemingly toying with him on purpose and not answering directly. Instead, he took out a handkerchief and gently, meticulously wiped away the food residue at the corner of Yan Yihuan’s mouth.
Yan Yihuan was unwilling but did not dare to dodge, and could only sit stiffly as Zhao Chufeng wiped his mouth. If an outsider were to see this scene, they would undoubtedly sigh and think, ‘What a serene and gentle scene.’
Yan Yihuan secretly raised his eyes to look at Zhao Chufeng, who was so close. He saw his gentle expression and meticulous, careful movements. If this had been before that night, having such a beautiful person treat him this way would have made him unbearably smug.
But now, just recalling the shocking strength and ruthlessness of this beauty in front of him that night made Yan Yihuan’s scalp tingle and his hairs stand on end. He couldn’t help but lightly push Zhao Chufeng’s wrist,
“Th-that’s enough.”
Zhao Chufeng took the hint, and under Yan Yihuan’s surprised gaze, he calmly placed the handkerchief that had wiped his mouth back into his pocket. Then came the voice that was nothing short of heavenly,
“Go put on that outfit. Huai De will arrange for a sedan to take you back to the guest residence.”
Yan Yihuan almost leaped up with excitement. He tried his best to suppress the corners of his lips from curling into a smile and, like a cautious chick, he lowered his head to pick up his clothes. He wanted to ask Zhao Chufeng to leave, but when he turned around and saw the man still sitting at the table with his arms crossed, showing no intention of leaving, he could only sigh inwardly.
Fine, fine, I’ll endure this one more time. I absolutely cannot provoke him right now.
Trembling with nervousness, Yan Yihuan finally finished changing his clothes. Zhao Chufeng hadn’t moved from his seat even until he finished adjusting his clothes, which made him let out a long sigh of relief.
Everything else went smoothly after that. Apart from the blindfold still covering his eyes, Yan Yihuan felt dizzy, not knowing how long he was carried around in the sedan chair. When it finally stopped and his vision cleared as the blindfold was removed.
“Third Young Master, we’ve arrived.”
“Young Master!!” A familiar wail accompanied by a figure darting into the sedan chair like the wind, crashing heavily onto Yan Yihuan.
“A-Ying…” Yan Yihuan choked back a sob. The separation of just a few days felt like years. Yet even with A-Ying, who had grown up by his side, Yan Yihuan dared not speak of his recent ordeal.
The master and servant hugged each other and cried bitterly for a while. Wiping his tears, A-Ying turned to Huai De and cupped his hands in gratitude,
“Thank you for your young master’s rescuing. We will definitely repay this kindness when we return to the Residence of King Yan.”
Yan Yihuan was so shocked he almost fell to the ground. What lies had Zhao Chufeng concocted to make A-Ying believe he had saved him?!
Huai De glanced at the wide-eyed Yan Yihuan, his face still adorned with a kindly smile.
“My young master and the Third Young Master hit it off. He seeks no repayment.”
Hit it off?! He can’t possibly have the nerve to ask for repayment, A-Ying! He has utterly taken advantage of your young master, and now he still wants to maintain a good reputation!
Yan Yihuan dared not voice these thoughts, and could only seethe inwardly. Right now, all he could think about was rushing into the guest residence, pack his bags, and leave the capital as soon as possible. His father and mother had been right, the capital was not a good place. It was all his fault for being too arrogant before.
When A-Ying saw his young master return in one piece, he was overjoyed. He initially wanted to ask about the events of the past few days, but seeing Yan Yihuan sweating profusely and shouting to hurry back to Linjing, he didn’t dare probe further and hurriedly began packing their belongings.
In less than an hour, the carriage from the Residence of King Yan, along with the guards who had accompanied them, was all packed up. After Yan Yihuan boarded the carriage, A-Ying pushed the door open and gave a quick command,
“Depart.”
The wheels rolled slowly, the steady rumbling of the carriage provided a sense of peace. Yan Yihuan lifted the curtain to look outside. They were in the carriage yard of the guest residence. Beyond the main gate lay the shortest road leading directly to the southern city gate, it would take about a quarter of an hour to leave the capital.
This is great, I’m finally going home!
Even Yan Yihuan’s hair seemed to radiate joy, but before he could lower the curtain, a somewhat familiar voice called out loudly from behind,
“An imperial decree has arrived! Third Young Master Yan, please step down to receive the decree!”
