It’s Exciting to Snatch the Supporting Male Lead and Run Away [Quick Wear] - 41

 

IETSTSMLARA | The Richest Merchant In The World | 41

Although his words were simple, they made sense.

"Oh? Lin Xiong, you truly carry out your duty as a loyal subject. What reward do you want for this meritorious deed?" Xiao Huang was confident that he could deceive Shen Tang and Yun Hui with his plan, but he wasn't sure if he could deceive the man before him.

He had never encountered someone like him before. With just one glance, it was as if this man could see right through his soul.

Regardless of whether this man could be used or not, such a person could not be allowed to remain!

"What's going on?"

"What are you doing?!"

"Seize him!"

While they exchanged pleasantries, there was a commotion among the escorted assassins. They fell to the ground one by one, and only their leader managed to break free, pulling a guard's knife and charging forward.

In the blink of an eye, everyone thought the assassin was going for Xiao Huang. The guards moved to protect him, but the knife suddenly aimed at Lin Su beside him.

Amidst everyone's shock, a smile appeared on Xiao Huang's lips. Lin Su glanced at him, then turned his gaze to the knife blade that was dangerously close. Though the blade was swift and powerful, it was no big deal for him at the moment.

What truly surprised Lin Su wasn't the blade itself but the sudden figure that appeared in front of him.

As his body was tackled, Shen Tang tightened his grip on Lin Su's arm, and a strong smell of blood filled the air, thick and pungent.

The peacock who always loved beauty but was afraid of pain even though his face turned pale at this moment, he tried to raise his head and said: "Why didn't you dodge?!"

He forgot to.

Lin Su pulled him away and supported him, facing the attacker with one hand and dodging the blade with ease. With just one move, he disarmed the assailant.

The knife flew out of the assassin's hand and was thrown directly toward another group of onlookers.

Xiao Huang was initially frustrated to see Shen Tang risking his life to help him block the blade, but he was caught off guard when he saw the tip of the knife aimed straight at his chest. If it pierced through his chest, he wouldn't live.

He couldn't die!

Most people wouldn't have the ability to seek refuge in a crisis, but Xiao Huang had the ability to pull someone nearby to help him block the knife. Whoever it was, it was worth dying for him.

However, that figure that he pulled to stand in front of him, when the knife pierced through the person's shoulder blades, Xiao Huang met Yun Hui's astonished and unfamiliar face.

The shock and unfamiliarity in his eyes pierced Xiao Huang's heart.

He swallowed hard, then looked at the man who had already pinned the assassin beneath his feet, only to receive a gaze filled with coldness and malice.

Lin Su's foot pressed down hard enough to sever the assassin's meridians. He rarely got angry, but today, he felt a surge of fury for some reason.

Life was precious. From conception to birth to growth, it took countless efforts and sacrifices. Lin Su cherished life, so he rarely shed blood with his own hands. But that didn't mean he wouldn't kill.

The assassin still had a breath left, but he could no longer get up. Lin Su picked up Shen Tang and cleared the nearby table, laying him down on it.

"Lin Su, am I going to die?" Shen Tang's breathing was weak, but he managed to speak.

Unable to see the wound on his back through his clothes, but blood was already dripping down from the hem of his garment. With such a blood loss, it must have severed a major artery. Lin Su's most serious estimate was that it had reached his spine.

He tore open the back of Shen Tang's clothes, and the golden threads broke into pieces. The usually fair back was now covered in blood, a terrifying sight. After a quick examination to confirm that the spine was not injured, Lin Su breathed a sigh of relief and gave him a pill to swallow.

"Don't speak. You'll be fine with me here."

“Ugh... I trust you.” Shen Tang, feeling somewhat drowsy from the pill, was suddenly awakened by the stinging sensation in his mouth. He felt an extremely irritating taste between his lips and nose. "Pah, pah, what is this?! It hurts!!! What are you doing?!"

"If you don't want scars on your back, then don't move," Lin Su replied calmly. He was applying a medicinal ointment from the system, as even with all his skills, he couldn't save this person's life with the medical technology available in this era. 

After all, stopping bleeding and administering blood transfusions were beyond the current scientific capabilities.

Spending star coins naturally meant getting good medicine. Although the ointment was a bit stimulating when it stopped the bleeding, its effects were excellent. The wound, which had almost been gushing blood, gradually stopped bleeding, but it would still take some time to fully heal.

After rebandaging Shen Tang's wound with his snow-white undergarments torn from him, his attire, worth a thousand taels, was completely ruined. Shen Tang, although regaining consciousness, still felt weak from the blood loss. Even though his mind was still a bit foggy, he could see the scene on Xiao Huang's side.

Although he had only caught a glimpse, he had also seen Xiao Huang blocking the knife using Yun Hui.

"Zi Yu, Zi Yu... fetch the imperial physician, quickly!" Xiao Huang held Yun Hui and shouted.

The guards quickly carried away the leader of the assassins and the other bodies. Someone hurriedly responded and went to fetch the imperial physician. Xiao Huang lowered his head to check Yun Hui’s injuries, but he felt his struggle.

Yun Ziyu's right shoulder was covered in blood, staining his snow-white clothes even more terrifyingly than Shen Tang's injury. Although he was in so much pain that he wished he could pass out, what was even more terrifying than death was the person in front of him.

He had never imagined that someone would sacrifice their life to protect him, let alone that the person who had just been protecting him would suddenly use him to block a knife.

"Zi Yu, listen to my explanation," Xiao Huang's mind was buzzing. Everything that was happening now was beyond his expectations, but the more unexpected it was, the more careful he had to be with his words.

Xiao Huang came up with such a plan because he cared about Yun Hui. Everything had been going smoothly until just now.

"My mind was confused, I thought it was someone else. If I had remembered it was you, I wouldn't have done it," Xiao Huang explained anxiously. "Zi Yu, you saw it too. In that moment just now, if I hadn't pulled someone else, I would have died. The knife was thrown by Lin Su. He wanted me dead, Zi Yu, I was just acting on instinct."

Yun Hui’s gaze at him became increasingly unfamiliar. If Xiao Huang had just apologized without saying these words, Yun Hui might still have been able to continue being friends with him, because it was understandable to protect oneself in a life-threatening situation. 

But whether it was him or someone else who blocked the knife...

The terrifying disregard for human life was evident. Yun Hui had died once before; he had seen the darkness in people's hearts. But he had never doubted Xiao Huang before. He thought they shared a common fate as legitimate heirs, both fallen from grace. 

He thought they could understand each other. Even just now, he had considered blocking the knife for him as repaying his debt for saving his life. But who would have thought someone would beat him to it?

Now it seemed that he didn't really understand this person.

"Thank you for explaining, Your Highness. Please, Lin Xiong, administer the medicine," Yun Hui said, looking at Lin Su, who had already finished bandaging Shen Tang. 

Even though Lin Su had thrown the knife just now, Yun Hui could still appreciate his concern for Shen Tang and his anxiousness.

Or perhaps it was intentional. He was grateful to Lin Su for showing him who Xiao Huang truly was. Given a second chance at life, he just wanted to cherish it. He wanted to live.

"Since Lin Xiong is knowledgeable in medical arts, please save Yun Hui's life," Xiao Huang also pleaded, even though he wanted to kill this man right now.

He had never feared someone like this before. If he hadn't pulled Yun Hui just now, and if Lin Su had truly wanted to kill him, he could have. 

"If my treatment is not successful, will the Prince hold me accountable?" Lin Su remained calm.

Although Xiao Huang loved himself above all, he did have feelings for Yun Hui. 

This person made him uncomfortable, so how could he let him live peacefully?

"Of course, if you save him, I won't pursue the matter," Xiao Huang compromised.

Lin Su remained composed, even taking the time to tidy Shen Tang's clothes. "Not pursue? Your Highness, you could certainly pursue, and I would be happy to reveal all the truth of today's matter to everyone."

This situation was complex, and Xiao Huang wasn't sure how much Lin Su knew. The leverage he had just gained might not be enough to restrain this man, and if his staged assassination of the civil officials were exposed, he would be condemned by scholars across the country.

Xiao Huang was at a loss for a moment, his arm trembling with anger. 

On the other side, Shen Tang tugged at Lin Su's sleeve. "Zi Yu is my friend, Lin Su, can you help him?"

Shen Tang's face was still pale, devoid of its usual vitality. Lin Su had calculated everything, but he had overlooked that Shen Tang was still Yun Hui’s friend.

"The words of my husband must be obeyed," Lin Su said, turning to Xiao Huang and directly reaching out to lift Yun Hui. Ignoring Xiao Huang's angry gaze, Lin Su continued, "His Highness the Prince lacks sympathy. Seeing Mr. Yun struggling so hard and still holding him by force. I wonder if he's harming him or trying to save him."

Xiao Huang's fingers twitched, but he could only watch as Lin Su placed Yun Hui on the table.

Lin Su pressed on the wound a few times, then pulled up Yun Hui’s sleeve and brought it to his mouth. "Bite down. I'm going to remove the knife."

His attitude seemed somewhat perfunctory. Xiao Huang wanted to say something, but he saw Yun Hui bite down on the sleeve without hesitation.

Lin Su sprinkled some medicine powder on the wound, then pulled out the knife and threw it on the ground. When the blood gushed out, he sealed the acupoint at Yun Hui’s shoulder blade and applied the medicine. The medicine he used was from this world, as crafted by himself.

Shen Tang was wealthy, and even the guards' knives were made of excellent materials. This made the weapons sharp but also thin. 

Although the wound was deeper, Yun Hui was lucky not to have hit any vital organs. The wound looked terrifying, but it wasn't too serious.

After treating the wound and bandaging it, Lin Su fastened the strap and asked, "Alright, does Mr. Yun want to stay at the Shen residence to recuperate, or will he leave with His Highness the Prince?"

He didn't ask for no reason. Xiao Huang's eyes were practically oozing venom. If it weren't for the fact that System 06 couldn't communicate with people from different worlds, it would surely tell him: glaring won't do any good. If eyes could kill, its host would have died a million times over.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. It's not advisable to move too much when injured. I believe Lord Jingchen and Grandfather won't refuse to let him recuperate here," Yun Hui said calmly, lying down. His words were polite, but they were almost too polite, which made Xiao Huang feel uncomfortable.

It was really not his style to show weakness in front of his enemy. Xiao Huang sneered and said, "Goodbye." 

He hastily left, leaving the bewildered imperial physician wondering, "Where's the patient?"

"Over here," Lin Su called out, gesturing towards Yun Hui. As the old imperial physician hurried over, Lin Su continued, "This is this year's top scholar. Please check his wound, doctor."

The physician put down his medicine box and noticed Shen Tang, covered in blood. He exclaimed, "Isn't this person more seriously injured? Shouldn't we attend to him first?"

"No need. He is a son of the Shen family. We don't need the help of the imperial physician. Thank you," Lin Su replied, lifting Shen Tang and instructing the servants to prepare a room for him before leaving.

"Hey!" Shen Tang was held securely by Lin Su, and although the pain from his wound had lessened, he still felt a bit worried. 

Despite his wife's formidable skills, which even turned Xiao Huang's face into a dark pan, he found the expertise of the imperial physician more trustworthy.

Lin Su raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Well, since the imperial physician is here, why not let him take a look? We can always pay him more silver," Shen Tang said, sounding somewhat guilty. He didn't know why he felt guilty, but witnessing his wife's anger earlier was terrifying.

He trampled on the assassin's hand like he was stepping on tofu. How much did his wife put up with him?

"You don't trust me?" Lin Su asked. "Then I'll hand you over to the imperial physician for treatment."

"No, no, of course, I trust you," Shen Tang chuckled awkwardly. "But it's just that you seem to handle everything. Why not let the doctor do his job?"

"Fine, I'll arrange it for you," Lin Su said.

Just as Shen Tang felt relieved, he heard the imperial physician exclaim behind him, "The wound is bandaged excellently, but where did this medicine come from? Can you tell me?"

One of the servants replied, "This is the Shen Family Pharmacy's hemostatic powder, newly developed by our Madam(LX). Is there a problem?"

“No, no, no, this medicine is very effective. I've been practicing medicine for many years, and I never expected to see such a combination. Can I meet the Madam?" The old physician continued to inquire, but Lin Su had already left the courtyard with Shen Tang in his arms.

"...You developed that medicine?" Shen Tang asked cautiously.

Lin Su responded with a grunt, not offering any further explanation. Shen Tang felt a pang of regret for his earlier words. He shouldn't have doubted his wife's medical skills…As his husband this was very inappropriate.

"Dear..." Shen Tang's tone carried a hint of pleading, especially against his pale complexion.

"The medicine I gave you is better. Rest well and don't bother with any other medicines during your recovery," Lin Su said, placing Shen Tang on the bed. He then had someone bring hot water to wash away the bloodstains on Shen Tang's body.

Shen Tang muttered, "If you keep treating me like this, I might start looking forward to getting injured every day."

Lin Su untied his belt, raised his eyebrows and said, "What are you talking about?"

Shen Tang coughed and replied, "Nothing, nothing. Please continue."

He felt like his father now, Shen Tang felt weak and afraid of his wife. He regretted mocking his father in the past, realizing he had become just like him.

As Lin Su continued to gently wipe Shen Tang's body, Shen Tang grasped onto the loose ends of his clothes. Suddenly, he felt like he didn't need to be so strong all the time. 

In the past, he had to bear everything alone, but now, this person was willing to share the burden with him.

"Lin Su, I thought I was going to die just now," Shen Tang confessed. When he threw himself in front of Lin Su, his mind went blank. He didn't even think about why he did it. All he knew was that he had to keep this person safe, no matter the cost.

Lin Su paused for a moment, then flicked his forehead lightly. "You knew how dangerous it was and still jumped in front of the blade? What happened to your martial arts skills?"

"I forgot..." Shen Tang sighed. At that moment, instinct took over, and he completely forgot about his martial arts skills.

"Next time, don't do that. I can protect myself," Lin Su said, gently caressing Shen Tang's face. "I'll make sure you have plenty of blood-nourishing food in the coming days. Your pale face is heartbreaking."

“I can’t guarantee this,” Shen Tang held Lin Su's hand tightly. "I'm afraid something might happen to you, Lin Su. Please, promise me you'll be safe..."

"Alright, I promise." Lin Su kissed Shen Tang's forehead, and when he looked up, he saw that Shen Tang, who had been forcing himself to stay awake, had already fallen asleep.

After thoroughly cleaning and re-bandaging Shen Tang's wounds, Lin Su replaced all the bedding. 

When Madam Shen and Old Master Shen arrived, they only saw Shen Tang peacefully lying in bed, his complexion slightly rosier due to sleep.

"Where is Tang'er injured?" Madam Shen went to lift the blanket, tears filling her eyes.

Shen Tang had been adjusted by Lin Su to sleep on his stomach, and when the blanket was lifted, they could see the bandages across his chest and back. Madam Shen and Old Master Shen turned pale at the sight. 

If Lin Su hadn't reassured them that the injuries were superficial and not too severe, they might have fainted from shock.

"Our Tang’er often got injured from practicing martial arts in his youth, but he became less prone to injuries after mastering it. However, I worry more about him now than before, fearing he might make a mistake one day," Madam Shen sighed. She didn't want to wake her son and could only chat with Lin Su instead. "You are capable, and I hope you can protect him in the future."

"You can rest assured, we are husband and wife. I will protect him with all my heart," Lin Su promised.

The elderly Shens didn't stay long, only instructing Lin Su to inform them of any further developments before leaving.

While Shen Tang slept soundly, Lin Su tidied his quilt and then went outside, closing the door behind him. He sat down in the courtyard.

It wasn't the fifteenth, so the moon wasn't full, but it was exceptionally clear tonight, with stars dotting the sky, making Lin Su feel small amidst their vastness.

The mechanical heart of System 06 beeped twice before speaking: 【Does the host need psychological counseling?】

Today, it had detected significant emotional fluctuations in the host, and providing psychological counseling to hosts experiencing emotional distress was one of the purposes of the system's existence.

Because some hosts might become lost in a particular world, which was allowed under the treaty. Furthermore, when enough star coins were accumulated, one could even apply to bring out someone from a particular world to become a lifelong companion in their original world.

However, this came with a considerable cost. Although some hosts, like Lin Su's host, treated tasks as if they were playing games, there were few who would persist to the end. Even for hosts like Lin Su's, they needed to complete many S-rank tasks. Otherwise, they might lose interest and abandon their goals.

【What kind of love let’s people willing to die for someone?】 Lin Su didn't ask if he needed counseling, but simply expressed his doubts.

System 06 was puzzled by this question: 【I can provide you with various data. According to the data, when couples in other worlds are willing to die for each other, the adrenaline in their bodies...】

【No need.】 Lin Su decisively refused.

He knew the principle behind love. Simply put, it was caused by the secretion of hormones and dopamine in the human body, which determined whether one wanted to sleep with someone or stay with them for a long time, and these were controllable.

If the secretion of these two hormones in a person was permanently suppressed below a certain level, the probability of that person falling in love would approach zero.

Lin Su also had limited secretion of these two hormones. He enjoyed playing this game of love to some extent; the feeling of being loved was indeed pleasant, but he disliked things that went beyond control.

For example, risking one's life to fall in love with someone. In the world of tasks, of course, it was possible because even without life, one could return to the mission world. But if one lost their life in the mission world because of him, Lin Su absolutely couldn't do it, nor did anyone need him to do so.

So even though he seemed to handle emotions with ease in a relationship, he actually couldn't understand how one could be so reckless. 

It was a mysterious realm. Unlike Shen Tang, who only had one life, once it ended, it meant disappearance. Yet, he went ahead without hesitation.

【Does the host want to experience the feeling of love?】System 06 attempted to continue the conversation.

Lin Su responded: 【Of course, I do.】

Being always in control was actually boring because there was a fear inside, so he hated it, feared it. But at the same time, trying something new also produced an indescribable sense of excitement and challenge.

It was probably like a person who lived a stable life suddenly deciding to go skydiving. He had the idea of trying it, but whether it would excite him was the thing about skydiving.

Finding someone to fall in love with was also difficult.

【I can adjust for you...】System 06 volunteered.

【No need. I don't want a simulation.】 Lin Su decisively rejected the system's volunteering.

The system could adjust hormones, so it could simulate the feeling of falling in love. However, without a subject, it was no different from being addicted to a certain item. Some fetishes also arose from this.

【You just need to date more and try to find someone you can fall in love with, which is what you’re currently doing,】System 06 suggested.

Lin Su didn’t reply immediately. 

Instead, he stood up and walked towards the room. Sometimes, the simplest and most straightforward advice was the most insightful. 

He realized that he didn’t need to overthink Shen Tang’s actions. Regardless of whether he was emotionally involved or not, he would strive to do his best in this relationship. Overthinking was unnecessary.

【Host?】 System 06 asked, puzzled.

【Thank you, I've suddenly become enlightened,】 Lin Su said, pushing the door open gently.

System 06 wanted to say, ‘I haven’t had any insight yet.’

Humans are truly complicated beings.

When Lin Su entered the room, Shen Tang was still asleep. Lin Su extinguished the lamp in the inner chamber and sat behind the screen in the outer room, reviewing Shen Tang's records of Xiao Huang's actions. 

The original timeline focused on Yun Hui, so it was hard to find detailed records of Xiao Huang's deeds. However, with Shen Tang's records, it would be much easier to bring Xiao Huang down.

In this era, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children was clear. However, from Lin Su's perspective, since they were all brought into the family, the children born were all the same, just from different mothers. Regardless of the parents, the children inherited the same bloodline; there was no reason for any bloodline to be considered inferior.

Thus, Lin Su felt no pressure in bringing Xiao Huang down.

Lin Su had intended to stay up all night but ended up falling asleep until the next morning. When he woke up, he found Shen Tang lying there, watching him.

After a good night's rest, Shen Tang’s face had regained some color. The warmth from just getting out of bed made his gaze particularly captivating, easily stimulating hormonal reactions.

“It’s rare to see you sleep so soundly,” Shen Tang said, shifting his position slightly. “Were you tired from yesterday?”

“Does your wound still hurt?” Lin Su asked as he got up, walking over to check on Shen Tang’s back.

Shen Tang shook his head slightly. “It’s much better, thanks to you.”

Lin Su gently touched the bandaged area, making sure it wasn’t causing Shen Tang any discomfort. “I’ll change the dressing later. You need to rest more.”

Shen Tang reached out and grabbed Lin Su’s hand. “Thank you for everything. I know you must be tired too.”

Lin Su smiled slightly, “As long as you’re safe, that’s what matters.”

Shen Tang’s eyes softened. “You really care about me, don’t you?”

Lin Su didn’t answer directly but squeezed Shen Tang’s hand gently, conveying his feelings through his actions. 

At that moment, both of them felt a silent understanding, knowing that their bond was growing stronger despite the dangers and challenges they faced.

“Funny how things work out. I was in excruciating pain yesterday, but today it’s hardly hurting at all. Could it be that your medicine is so effective that it’s already healed?” Shen Tang wanted to reach back and feel his own back, but considering the difficulty of the movement, he gave up. 

However, he remembered another crucial matter. “Will your ointment leave scars? Will it leave those unsightly marks?”

Although it might seem heroic for a man to bear scars sometimes, having such a long one crawling across his back like a centipede would become nauseating over time.

His mother worked so hard to maintain her youthful beauty, precisely because she understood men's flawed nature. Even he himself preferred to look good.

“If I said it would, would you believe me?” Lin Su found Shen Tang’s current demeanor adorable and couldn’t help but tease him. 

Shen Tang, who had been all sunshine just moments ago, now resembled a dejected peacock, lying on the bed as if he had been through a storm, emanating an air of desolation. “Madam, how will you face me in the future…”

Lin Su couldn’t help but laugh. He patted Shen Tang's shoulder reassuringly. “Don't worry, once it’s healed, it’ll be as good as new, it won’t leave any scars.”

The peacock’s eyes brightened, and he turned his head. “Are you telling the truth?”

“Of course,” Lin Su said, rubbing his chin. “Although if you want a doctor to look at it for you, perhaps they could leave behind some heroic scars.”

“No, I don’t want heroic scars. I want you to help me look.” Shen Tang felt much better upon hearing that there was no possibility of scarring. Even with an injury, he tried to show off his charm. “What do you think of seeing your husband’s back in the sunlight?”

“It makes me want to do some daylight exercises,” Lin Su teased, keeping his eyes open and saying nonsense. Then, he poked Shen Tang’s waist where he couldn’t see. “My husband even has two dimples here, which are quite adorable.”

Shen Tang’s body twitched with itchiness, and he quickly stopped fooling around, patting Lin Su’s leg. “Hurry up with the medicine. We shouldn’t act foolishly in broad daylight and become a laughingstock.”

Shen Tang’s recovery was remarkably fast. To explain to outsiders, he simply said that he had suffered only flesh wounds, so he healed faster. 

But to avoid using the healing jade too often, Young Master Shen pretended to be in pain from time to time.

Yun Hui's injuries did not heal as quickly as Shen Tang's because they were severe. 

Furthermore, he had feigned illness, even declining to return to the Minister of War's mansion when they came to pick him up. He realized that the threshold of the Minister of War's mansion might not be able to stop Xiao Huang from visiting. 

However, while staying at the Shen family's residence, Xiao Huang had not set foot inside. If it wasn't that he didn't want to come, then he was clearly avoiding someone, and that someone wasn't Shen Tang, but Lin Su.

When Yun Hui was able to go out, he was invited to sit in the Flower Pavilion, where he learned the truth about the flower appreciation banquet. 

Although Shen Tang knew they were not on the same side, he didn't want Yun Hui to fall into the trap, so everything was explained clearly. Even the fact that Xiao Huang had once persuaded him to sacrifice the rightful position for his main wife was not concealed.

Xiao Huang Intentionally injured himself to gain Yun Hui’s trust, then wanting to kill Lin Su because his secret was discovered, and using Yun Hui as a shield when faced with danger—that's the kind of person he was. 

Yun Hui wasn't greatly shaken by the revelations, as if he had been prepared for the worst from the beginning.

“As for that wound, Lin Su was actually aiming for Xiao Huang that day, but unfortunately, it ended up injuring you. I’m truly sorry,” Shen Tang recalled Lin Su’s angry expression that day, feeling both afraid and excited.

He didn’t want to anger his wife, but seeing his wife angry for his sake was indeed pleasing.

“No harm done. I was able to recognize his true character, and it spares one the worry of future dangers,” Yun Hui said, very clear-headed at the moment. “But facing Xiao Huang now, if he were to make a move, the Shen family might not be able to resist.”

“The late Emperor had more than one heir besides Xiao Huang. There's no need to worry,” Lin Su didn’t join in their conversation much, only adding a sentence or two at key moments.

Observing the two men's behavior and conversation, Yun Hui could easily tell that they had pretended to be indifferent to each other during the flower appreciation banquet. 

Although Shen Tang referred to Lin Su as his wife, it was clear that Lin Su was the one making decisions between them. “Regardless, don't involve yourself or your family in this,” 

Yun Hui no longer intends to participate in the court struggle. Rather than engaging in endless power struggles, he preferred to leave the capital and do something practical. “If things come to the worst results, you can seek help from my grandfather.”

“Alright,” Shen Tang felt that Yun Hui had also let go of his worries.

“We've been acquainted for some time now, but I still don't know Brother Lin's courtesy name. It always feels a bit awkward to just use your surname,” Yun Hui asked.

Once the official matters were finished, discussing personal matters made everyone feel more relaxed.

Men often addressed each other by their courtesy names, rarely using their given names directly. Exchanging courtesy names was a normal thing to do, but Yun Hui noticed Shen Tang looking at Lin Su for approval when he asked.

Yun Hui appeared pensive. "If it's inconvenient..."

"There's no inconvenience," Lin Su smiled and replied, "My courtesy name is Yan Guí."

"It's you?!" Yun Hui stood up from his seat, realizing his rudeness, then sat back down and bowed, "So it's Brother Yan Guí. When I first saw you, I felt that you shared a certain aura with the paintings at home, so I've been wanting to meet the painter. I never thought it would turn out to be a case of not seeing the forest for the trees."

There was genuine admiration in his expression, but Lin Su simply returned the courtesy with a calm nod. "Brother Zi Yu flatters me. I still have many shortcomings."

"But your paintings encompass vast ambitions, beyond just depicting scenery. Only those with the aspirations of a swan can capture them. Brother Yan Guí, you're too modest," Yun Hui expressed his admiration sincerely. "If Brother Yan Guí were to participate in this imperial examination, the title of top scholar might not necessarily fall into my hands, but..."

He suddenly thought of Lin Su's marriage, which seemed a bit off from his expectations. But asking so bluntly would be extremely offensive. Yun Hui thought carefully before asking, "Brother Yan Guí, have you encountered some difficulties?"

"I've not encountered difficulties," Lin Su answered. 

Seeing Yun Hui still puzzled, he chuckled, "The paintings Brother Zi Yu mentioned were just doodles I did casually. As for me, grand ambitions are merely empty words. Aspirations are kept in the heart, but the eyes should see what's right in front of them. One should work down-to-earthly. As long as the aspiration is not forgotten, it doesn't matter if it's grand or not."

This was the first time Yun Hui had heard someone speak like this. At first, he stood there dumbfounded, pondering a thousand thoughts. But in reality, the world was much broader than that. With a calm heart and steady steps, talking about real matters rather than empty words, what difference did it make whether one was a scholar, a farmer, a worker, or a merchant?

"Brother Yan Guí is truly talented," Yun Hui unexpectedly stood up and bowed to him.

Shen Tang listened to the two men talking back and forth, unable to intervene. But what was more important was that he now understood why scholars admired Yan Guí so much. However, he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy. Zi Yu's appearance was also quite good, and he seemed to get along well with his wife. If they were to interact more...

Watching this scene, Shen Tang couldn't help but feel a slight discomfort in his heart.

"Is my husband feeling tired from sitting?" Lin Su asked before Shen Tang’s thoughts could go any further. "You haven't fully recovered from your injuries, and it's not good to sit in the wind for too long. Let's go back and rest."

Shen Tang snapped back to reality. "I'm alright, just a bit fatigued. It's nothing serious."

He had no intention of being sent back alone. If he were to leave these two men to talk by themselves, who knows, they might end up talking until dawn. After all, as the madam of the Shen family, he should be mindful of maintaining a proper distance from unfamiliar men, right?

But before he could voice his thoughts, Lin Su said softly, "The fish porridge I asked the kitchen to make for you should be ready now. If it cooks any longer, it will be overdone."

"Am I going back alone?" Shen Tang, having eaten light and bland food recently, was truly craving some meat, but the thought of returning alone felt somewhat... uncomfortable.

"Naturally, I will accompany my husband back," Lin Su's single sentence was enough to bring a smile to Shen Tang's face.

This was the first time that Yun Hui saw Shen Tang change his mood and anger instantly due to another person. It was the first time he saw Shen Tang look so pitiful, a sight he had never seen in his life.

The two stood up to leave, and Yun Hui didn't try to stop them, merely watching them walk away together with a mix of admiration and confusion. In his understanding, scholars liked to gather together to compose poems and seek kindred spirits. 

Someone like Mr. Yan Guí should seek out those who could discuss poetry with him. Yet he had chosen Shen Tang.

It wasn't that Shen Tang was unworthy; he was very proficient in music, but his poetry was average at best, and he didn't care for such scholar pursuits. This made it hard for Yun Hui to imagine Shen Tang as Mr. Yan Guí's partner.

With his curiosity piqued, Yun Hui felt the need to find answers. He didn't approach them but watched from a distance. In the presence of others, they restrained themselves, but the affection in their eyes was undeniable. 

Lin Su seemed to be able to praise people well, and Shen Tang was always very happy when they were together. Lin Su wasn't fond of extravagant adornment for himself but had no objections to Shen Tang's flamboyant attire.

When alone, however, the scenes between them were enough to make Yun Hui blush. Shen Tang, once a notorious flirt who had attracted countless admirers and had unmatched skills in charming people, had met his match in Lin Su.

Watching their interactions, Yun Hui realized that Lin Su's ability to captivate was unparalleled, surpassing even Shen Tang's renowned charm.

No matter how much Shen Tang fussed, he always ended up being the one subdued, blushing, a stark contrast to his former self who used to make others blush. 

Yun Hui repeatedly told himself not to look, but he couldn't resist, his face heating up each time he watched. It wasn't gentlemanly behavior, yet seeing the affection between the two filled his heart with a strange satisfaction.

‘Why do lovers always adhere so strictly to moral rules?’ Yun Hui occasionally asked himself but found no answer. This only increased the frequency with which he watched them.

System 06 was confused: 【The main character seems very interested in your relationship. Does he like you?】

【No, it's more like a good student taking a peek at adult books,】 Lin Su gave a simple example, when followed too rigidly, can make people weary, and human nature often leans towards breaking them.

Shen Tang, kissed by Lin Su, noticed his momentary distraction and cupped his face, asking, "What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking about how long Zi Yu will keep watching," Lin Su replied with a smile.

Shen Tang had never noticed Zi Yu watching from a distance; this was the first time Lin Su mentioned it. The realization made the previously flamboyant peacock want to bury himself in the flower bed. "You knew and still…"

He didn't mind others, but Zi Yu, in his mind, was a paragon of scholarly virtue, practically untouched by such matters, almost otherworldly.

"He's been watching for a while. It's too late to be embarrassed now," Lin Su said, poking at Shen Tang's hand covering his face.

Shen Tang quickly put his hand down, looking both serious and gossiping. "How long?"

"About a dozen," Lin Su replied with a smile.

At that moment, Shen Tang's expression was like someone opening the door to a new world. "I never expected Zi Yu to have such a hobby. I should have taken him to Lefang to listen to songs before."

Taking him before would probably have gotten him scolded.

As people grow older, their personalities naturally change as well. What Yun Hui might become in the future had little to do with Lin Su personally.

In the court, turbulence abounded. Prince Chen, Xiao Huang, whose power had become prominent, was being eyed with suspicion by the emperor. 

Meanwhile, Prince Ning, Xiao Shao, who had always led a leisurely life, entered the court, subtly counterbalancing Xiao Huang, leaving him frustrated.

The two forces balanced each other, and Xiao Huang frequently resorted to underhanded tactics. Prince Ning, Xiao Shao, had discussed this with Lin Su, admitting that stepping into the public eye made him a target for all kinds of attacks. 

But Lin Su's answer was, "How can a prince unknown to his people become emperor?"

Xiao Shao didn't say more but performed exceptionally well. Meanwhile, the newly top-ranked scholar, Yun Hui, was appointed Riverbank Commander, heading to Jiangnan to manage flood control.

In recent years, floods had been frequent, resulting in countless disaster victims. Jiangnan was severely affected, and several officials sent there had failed to make any impact. The emperor was furious, yet no one volunteered.

From Lin Su's perspective, Yun Hui’s assignment was a big opportunity. If he could achieve success, it would indeed be a swift rise to prominence.

At the ten-mile pavilion farewell, Lin Su watched the departing carriage and asked, "What did you give him?"

Shen Tang, stepping onto the carriage shaft, responded with a smug expression, "Of course, something he likes."

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