The Queen was momentarily stunned when she heard Xu Yin’s question. She then pressed her lips together, glanced around the room, and whispered, “You and Yu Zhou, come with me.”
After arriving at the Queen’s palace, they sat for a while and had some tea. An old palace illusionist hurriedly arrived to report on the situation of the guard.
“He is conscious now, and it should take about a week for him to fully recover.”
After the old palace illusionist examined him, it was confirmed that the guard’s energy disruption was not as severe as Jun Yuzhou’s, and his episode lasted for a shorter time. After Xu Yin had quickly guided his energy channels, the guard fell asleep for a while and then woke up, his condition relatively stable.
However, many palace illusionists were secretly surprised by Xu Yin’s ability to restore the guard’s state with just one round of energy guidance.
“He didn’t mention any abnormal occurrences before the energy disruption?” the Queen asked in a deep voice.
“No,” the old palace illusionist shook his head. “He was just carrying out his duties today when suddenly he lost consciousness, and he doesn’t understand what happened.” He hesitated, then glanced at the silver wolf quietly sitting beside Xu Yin and watching him. “Your Majesty, do you still think there’s something suspicious about the Crown Prince’s condition?”
“It’s my concern,” Xu Yin replied gently. “I heard that before this guard’s episode, another energy disruption incident occurred. Within the past month, including the Crown Prince’s case, there have been three such incidents in the palace. Doesn’t that seem too frequent?”
“That’s the way it is,” the Queen sighed, rubbing her forehead.
The old palace illusionist said, “It is indeed unusual, but we’ve checked both of these guards today, and there’s nothing wrong with them. As for the Crown Prince—after his condition first occurred, we conducted a thorough investigation of both the people and the environment, but we didn’t find anything unusual.”
The old palace illusionist continued, “Actually, Young Master Xu, since you’ve studied this system in school, you must know that energy disruption is a sudden illness, and so far, no external factors have been found that could trigger this disease.”
It is true.
This illness is the kind where the person affected is simply unlucky, and Jun Yuzhou seemed to be the most unlucky of them all.
However, Xu Yin still felt something was off.
When the old palace illusionist finished speaking, the Queen sighed again and said, “Since Yuzhou fell ill, his recovery has been slow. I’m anxious, and I’ve wondered in my mind if someone is trying to harm him. But one can’t rely solely on guesses; without evidence, it’s always just speculation.”
Xu Yin slightly squinted his eyes.
He glanced at the silver wolf again.
The silver wolf affectionately nuzzled his cheek, as if trying to comfort him.
Xu Yin slowly said, “I understand now. I’ve been overly concerned about the Crown Prince, thinking too much.”
“It’s alright, you only wish the best for Yuzhou,” the Queen said.
On the way back, Xu Yin remained deep in thought, while the silver wolf occasionally looked at him, wagging its tail and circling around him.
Seeing that Xu Yin remained unresponsive, the silver wolf suddenly walked behind him and nudged his back with its head.
Xu Yin snapped back to reality, and as he turned his head, he was unexpectedly tossed onto the silver wolf’s back. He quickly stabilized himself, startled. “Jun Yuzhou?”
The silver wolf responded with a soft “Awoo.”
The wolf suddenly took off at a swift pace, running toward the direction of Xu Yin’s palace.
The strong wind whipped through, brushing against the silver wolf’s beautiful fur.
It ran with incredible speed yet perfect steadiness, leaping over stairs, crossing the plaza, and weaving through the startled guards on patrol, heading deep into the palace. Its movements were graceful and strong, full of energy.
After the initial shock, Xu Yin quickly understood what was happening and couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you trying to cheer me up?”
The silver wolf jumped over a fountain just as it sprayed water, splashing Xu Yin in the process.
Xu Yin chuckled softly, wiping the water droplets from his face. He then leaned down and gently kissed the silver wolf’s neck. “I’m not upset, just… still thinking of a solution.”
He whispered into the silver wolf’s ear, his tone full of meaning, “After all, you’re acting a bit mindlessly right now, only following your instincts. It’s a bit rough. Some things between lovers… should really wait until you’re fully conscious before you act on them.”
The silver wolf suddenly stumbled, nearly losing its balance and falling.
Xu Yin smiled softly.
By the time they returned to the palace, the silver wolf had become unusually obedient. Every now and then, it would look at Xu Yin with an expression that seemed to say—“I’m fully awake now.”
Its tail wagged energetically behind it.
Xu Yin chuckled, “No, you’re definitely not awake right now.”
Under normal circumstances, when his Lao Gong couldn’t hold himself back, he would be the picture of calm and steadiness.
But now, this silver wolf was anything but steady. It wore an expression of complete mischief.
The silver wolf whimpered in response, “…Woof.”
Xu Yin smirked as he stepped up the stairs, and it was then that he noticed something was missing. He turned to the nearby guard and asked, “Where’s You Yuan?”
The guard cleared his throat and quickly answered, “After what happened earlier, Young Master You left for home.”
Xu Yin raised an eyebrow.
Couldn’t stay any longer, huh?
……
How could You Yuan possibly stay any longer!
As his face was once again pressed into the ground, feeling as though he had been trampled a second time, You Yuan swore to himself—he was done! He was done!
All the prestige of being part of the illusionist world, all the wealth and glory, it wasn’t worth it. If he stayed any longer around Jun Yuzhou and Xu Yin, all he would get was a stomach full of frustration—and he might even lose his life!
Holding his aching waist, You Yuan limped out of the palace, his face dark with anger. As he passed one of the palace halls, a voice suddenly called out from the side: “Young Master You, are you leaving?”
You Yuan stopped, turned to see who it was, and with a stiff face replied, “…Second Prince.”
The Second Prince stood with his hands behind his back, smiling as he said, “Couldn’t hold on any longer?”
You Yuan grit his teeth and replied, “…I think Xu Yin can take care of the Crown Prince just fine on his own.”
He said the words through clenched teeth.
The Second Prince smiled, then sighed, and said, “I want to ask you something, though I’m not sure if you know the answer.”
You Yuan looked at him, confused. “…What is it?”
The Second Prince slowly walked toward him and, in a low voice, asked, “Does Xu Yin like men?”
You Yuan froze.
The Second Prince gave a wry smile. “You’ve seen the way he and my brother interact. I’m a little worried…”
“Perhaps my brother hasn’t actually developed those feelings for Xu Yin. Once he regains his clarity, he’ll return to normal and keep his distance.”
“Maybe, once my brother is clear-headed, he’ll forget about the events during his treatment altogether, and that would be… clean and simple.”
“But it’s also possible…”
None of these possibilities occurred.
When Jun Yuzhou regained his clarity, he still fell in love with Xu Yin.
And what kind of person is Jun Yuzhou?
You Yuan’s impression of the Crown Prince was one of coldness, meticulousness, and sternness—he hadn’t gotten to know him deeply. But for some reason, just looking at the Crown Prince’s stern face was enough for him to sense that Jun Yuzhou was a man whose resolve was unshakable when it came to what he truly wanted deep inside.
If such a man fell in love with Xu Yin, would he give up that love coldly for the sake of the imperial throne?
No.
No matter what, he would probably keep Xu Yin by his side.
And throughout the empire’s history, there have indeed been male consorts.
The Second Prince took another step closer, his lips nearly brushing You Yuan’s ear.
He whispered softly, “If Xu Yin really charms my brother…”
Then Xu Yin would gain everything.
Xu Yin had originally been the least noticeable and the worst of the Xu family’s children.
It should have been You Yuan, not Xu Yin, who deserved the highest honors!
…But what could You Yuan do?
He leaned against his aching back, forcing a twisted smile as he gritted his teeth, “Heh, heh, if that’s how it is, then I can only wish those two a lifetime of happiness together!”
The Second Prince’s expression stiffened slightly. “…?”
He took a step back, looking at You Yuan helplessly. “What are you talking about? Isn’t your family worried about the same things we are? Aren’t you… worried?”
The Second Prince’s last words carried a deep implication, and You Yuan felt a jolt go through his back as if it had been struck.
He jumped slightly, as if jolted by PTSD, and immediately replied, “Worried? I don’t see His Majesty or the Queen worrying at all! If they were really worried about this happening, would they have me act as a reference for the Crown Prince’s treatment process? I think they’re just trying to make me give up!”
If he hadn’t been empty-handed, You Yuan would have thrown something in frustration.
His anger flared, and his mind raced with thoughts. He quickly retorted, “Besides, Second Prince, if you all can’t stop this, what can the Xu family do? Me worrying wouldn’t make a damn difference!”
The Second Prince’s expression subtly shifted.
You Yuan twisted his face into a grimace, sneering sarcastically, “Heh, heh, I’ve figured it out. Xu Yin’s just lucky. If he really ends up with the Crown Prince, I have nothing to say, nothing to do. I—I’ll just ride the coattails of the current male consort’s cousin title to make my fortune. With my skills, how could I not become famous?! I, You Yuan, don’t need the treatment Xu Yin gets. Just give me a springboard, and I’ll reach the sky myself! Hahaha!”
The Second Prince’s expression turned cold. “Have you lost your mind?”
“You think I’m in a good mood? I haven’t slept all night, got caught, got beaten, and I’m still here having a nice chat with you? Aren’t I doing pretty well?” You Yuan ranted wildly.
The Second Prince’s voice was ice-cold. “If you’re crazy, you should go to the hospital and get checked.”
You Yuan suddenly grew sharp, narrowing his eyes. “By the way, Second Prince, what’s with you suddenly bringing all this up? If you’re trying to use me for something, don’t think I’m that easy to fool.”
The Second Prince said nothing.
He looked at You Yuan very, very calmly, his gaze steady.
Then, slowly, he gave a smile so soft and gentle that it felt almost chilling. “What are you talking about?”
In that instant, You Yuan was covered in goosebumps from that smile.
As if unaffected by the tension, the Second Prince lightly patted You Yuan on the shoulder and smiled. “Take care, I won’t see you off.”
With that, he turned and walked away, hands clasped behind his back, slowly heading back.
You Yuan stared at his retreating figure, swallowing hard. He shuddered but didn’t think too much about it, then turned and continued walking home, clutching his aching back.
For the next half month, Xu Yin remained immersed in the royal palace, rarely leaving Jun Yuzhou’s side.
Every day, he would carefully perform energy guidance for Jun Yuzhou, both in the morning and evening, while also continuing to ponder over the strange circumstances surrounding the Crown Prince’s condition.
However, despite his efforts, he couldn’t find any clues. After much thought, Xu Yin suddenly realized that perhaps he needed to focus on improving his skills first.
He wasn’t sure what exactly he would gain from honing his technique, but he decided to trust his instincts.
So, in addition to taking Jun Yuzhou on leisurely walks around the lawn, he began to set up a stall in the palace, offering to treat the palace’s illusionists.
Energy disruption was a major illness, though rare. But that didn’t mean that illusionists who didn’t suffer from energy disruptions were necessarily in perfect health.
The energy pathways of illusionists were often in a state of disarray. When the disarray became too severe, it could also be considered a form of illness, and the individuals themselves would usually notice it.
As soon as Xu Yin set up his stall, word spread among the illusionists working in the palace. During breaks, many of them came over to see him.
They could have gone to the palace’s official illusionist team, but they had heard that Xu Yin’s skills were so impressive that even the old palace illusionists felt ashamed! And they’d also heard that the Crown Prince’s temper had improved significantly recently!
It was the perfect time to witness the seemingly foolish yet obedient Crown Prince!
So, the illusionists eagerly gathered around Xu Yin’s stall.
When Xu Yin placed his hands on theirs and began to cleanse their energy pathways…
They all trembled with delight, their faces filled with pleasure as if they were about to ascend to the heavens!
They were all stunned!
From childhood, they had experienced plenty of routine energy guidance and care, but never had they felt so comfortable.
As Xu Yin’s energy flowed through their pathways, they felt their entire bodies loosen up, and even their anxious emotions were soothed. They became calm and at peace.
No wonder the Crown Prince was so well-behaved under Xu Yin’s care…
And now, they too were docile!
But as these obedient illusionists basked in comfort, they all seemed to forget themselves. One by one, they transformed into their animal or plant forms, gathering around Xu Yin.
—Yes, some illusionists had plant forms as their alternative shape.
