OL CH13

Having finally communicated their mutual affection, the two were at that stage of reluctance to part. Even after walking for quite some time, neither felt fatigued; instead, their spirits were bright and invigorated.

The vicinity around the lake was naturally lively, lined with numerous restaurants and landscaped gardens, where many people were releasing sky lanterns across the open lawns.

One by one, the sky lanterns ascended into the heavens, creating an ethereal, dreamlike sight.

Seizing the quiet of the late night, Chen Tian led Bai Su into the garden, embracing the person he loved most from behind. Snuggling tightly against one another, they watched the sky lanterns drift far into the distance.

Yet this romantic ambiance did not last long before a flurry of commotion and sharp scolding erupted not far off.

Recognizing the familiar voices, Chen Tian raised an eyebrow. On a clearing to the east, a sky lantern seemed to have malfunctioned, catching fire and blazing entirely.

Several figures stood beside the burning lantern, among whom were Yan Qingying and Bai Feizhang.

Enemies truly meet on a narrow road!

Chen Tian lamented silently, only to see Bai Feizhang death-gripping a youth wearing a fox mask, berating him relentlessly: “You little thief, knocking over Miss Yan’s sky lantern and daring to shirk responsibility!”

“This Empe—I mean, I already said I’m sorry! I didn’t do it on purpose!”

The youth’s tone was laden with impatience as he struggled desperately to break free. Although he clearly possessed some martial training, he was still young and stood no chance of gaining the upper hand against the tall, stout, and martial-arts-trained Bai Feizhang.

Bai Feizhang had endured a day’s worth of frustration, long searching for an outlet to vent his anger. Seeing that the youth wore nothing remarkable, he assumed the boy was no noble and paid him no heed, merely aiming to use this excuse to give him a harsh thrashing and blow off steam.

With his exceptional vision, Chen Tian instantly discerned that the seemingly ordinary pendant hanging from the masked youth’s waist was an imperial treasure found only in the palace.

Add to that the youth’s posture and familiar cadence—even with his voice somewhat disguised, Chen Tian easily recognized him: this was none other than the current Fifth Prince, Situ Chen.

How did this brat end up here?

Not a single guard in tow—what reckless courage! Could he have snuck out of the palace just to play?

Chen Tian had already guessed eight-tenths of the truth. His gaze toward Bai Feizhang turned positively gleeful with schadenfreude.

Bai Feizhang was a transmigrator who knew from the plot that Situ Chen was the male protagonist, and had been itching to hug this golden thigh tight.

Who knew what kind of expression he would make once he discovered the person he was tormenting was the very golden thigh he had racked his brains to flatter?

It would surely be a spectacular, colorful sight.

“An apology? A mere ‘I didn’t do it on purpose’ and you think you can walk away? Nothing comes that cheap!” Bai Feizhang said with overt malice.

Hearing this, the Fifth Prince fumed even further, gnashing his teeth as he resolved to teach Bai Feizhang a lesson once he got back.

Yet with outsiders present, he refused to blow his cover, and could only say disgruntledly, “I was in too much of a hurry when leaving today and forgot to bring silver. Once I find my attendants, I’ll have them compensate you. Can you let go now?”

Beside them, Yan Qingying had stared blankly in heartache for a long while as the tiny line she had secretly written in the corner—”May I win the heart of a loving man”—went up in flames. Snapping back to reality, she found the situation had somehow devolved into this spectacle.

Though her wishes had met mishaps one after another, she could only write it off as bad luck and had no desire to blame a child. Furrowing her brows, she said to Bai Feizhang, “Young Master Bai, you should let go. Since this little brother didn’t do it on purpose, let it be.”

Yet Bai Feizhang had clearly not had his fill of swaggering. Feigning righteous concern, he explained, “Miss Yan, you do not know the treachery of this world. He charged about so recklessly, not only knocking over the lantern but nearly harming you. Who knows, he might be a petty thief! Otherwise, why would he be in such a panic? We should search him right now, or drag him off to the authorities!”

“Who are you calling a thief!” the Fifth Prince exploded, ready to curse Bai Feizhang to high heaven on the spot.

Yan Qingying’s gaze filled with disapproval as well: “Isn’t Young Master Bai being too rash? It was just a burnt sky lantern, hardly a serious matter. Please release this little brother at once!”

The Fifth Prince hadn’t expected this maiden, who appeared to be with Bai Feizhang, would speak up for him time and again. Only then did he turn to look at Yan Qingying, momentarily stunned upon seeing her face.

Eyes like round apricots gleaming with autumn waters; brows like dark ink tracing distant mountains.

Exquisite features set within a palm-sized oval face—a picture-perfect beauty. From her eyes, Situ Chen could tell she genuinely believed him and wanted to extricate him from this predicament.

Growing up in the palace, Situ Chen had naturally seen countless beauties, but never a woman whose eyes were so clear and pure.

Yet realizing he needed a maiden to rescue him, his face beneath the mask burned crimson, his fury toward Bai Feizhang compounding even further.

Fortunately, Chen Tian had seen enough of the drama. He strolled over with Bai Su at an unhurried pace. Casually snapping a tree twig, he whipped it down, striking Bai Feizhang’s hand away from the Fifth Prince.

Bai Feizhang’s hand stung from the sudden strike, swelling red as he wailed in pain, barking angrily: “Who is it?!”

Yet looking up to meet Chen Tian’s half-smiling gaze, he froze instantly.

“K-King Ning!”

“Second Young Master Bai truly wields quite the imposing authority,” Chen Tian remarked casually. Having listened to their quarrel, he had already pieced together the sequence of events.

“Your Highness King Ning, that’s not it, it’s…”

Hearing Chen Tian speak, Bai Feizhang hurriedly sought to explain, but the Prince clearly lacked the patience. Waving his hand dismissively, Chen Tian cut him off: “Enough. The hour grows late; return home early and refrain from stirring up needless trouble.”

Hearing this, how could Bai Feizhang dare object? Noticing Bai Su beside King Ning, he swallowed down his resentment and indignation. Glaring venomously at the Fifth Prince, he lowered his head and squeezed out an “As you command.” He then backed away a few paces, waiting beside Yan Qingying, wishing to escort her back.

Although Yan Qingying felt fortunate to cross paths with King Ning and Heir Bai once again, as an unmarried daughter of the Prime Minister’s estate, it was indeed improper to linger outside too late. She curtsied to Bai Su and Chen Tian, then turned toward the youth in the fox mask, taking a handkerchief from her robes and offering it to him.

“Little brother, you should bandage the wound on your hand quickly and see a physician soon!”

Only upon hearing this did Situ Chen realize that in his haste to evade his royal guards earlier, he had scratched his hand on the brambles. While the cut wasn’t deep, it had bled enough to look rather dramatic.

Seeing the woman gaze at him with genuine concern, Situ Chen accepted the handkerchief, muttering somewhat awkwardly, “Thank you…”

Yan Qingying smiled, paying it no further heed, and departed with Cuizhu.

Watching the Fifth Prince clutch the handkerchief, gazing foolishly after Yan Qingying’s retreating back, Chen Tian curled his lips. When the youth finally snapped out of his daze and tried to slip away, Chen Tian effortlessly hooked him by the collar.

“What? Chen’er sees his Imperial Uncle and doesn’t even offer a greeting?”

Hearing King Ning’s languid voice, cold sweat instantly doused Situ Chen’s back. Knowing his identity was blown, he gave up struggling. Hastily removing the mask, he bowed dutifully: “Chen’er greets Imperial Uncle.”

Then, noticing Bai Su cupping his hands in salute, he nodded politely: “Heir.”

Chen Tian was pleased with Situ Chen’s tact and didn’t press the matter of him sneaking out to play. Instead, he simply commanded, “Come, accompany your Imperial Uncle on a boat ride.”

Situ Chen had thought Chen Tian would order guards to send him back to the palace, feeling crestfallen, but with the sudden turn of events, he scrambled eagerly to follow along.

Chen Tian rented an exquisite pleasure boat. Though not large, it was fully equipped and well-furnished. Entering the cabin, the decor was cozy and refined.

Chen Tian led Bai Su to sit by the window where a chessboard was set; viewing the lake from inside the cabin offered a completely different scenery.

Situ Chen still harbored a youth’s boundless curiosity; clutching his injured hand, he obediently sat on the other side a respectable distance away, yet couldn’t resist looking around.

Despite being a prince, he lived under strict discipline; as the Empress’s only son, he spent far more time studying than other princes and rarely had opportunities to roam outside the palace.

Chen Tian glanced at Situ Chen’s wound clumsily wrapped in the handkerchief. Considering this future emperor possessed good inherent character, he intentionally sought to elevate Bai Su in his estimation.

Smiling at his sweetheart, he said, “Zisu, you should have some golden sore ointment on you. If it’s not too much trouble, help Chen’er dress his wound. If we let this brat mess about like this, by the time he returns to the palace, his whole hand will be ruined.”

Bai Su nodded, walked over to sit beside Situ Chen, and gestured politely after taking out the wound ointment.

Situ Chen’s hand truly throbbed with pain, so without refusing, he extended his hand. He watched as Bai Su unwrapped the handkerchief, dusted on the ointment, and skillfully wrapped the dressing with crisp efficiency. In merely a few swift motions, the wound was neatly and beautifully bandaged.

“You bandage wounds so well!” Situ Chen couldn’t help marveling, raising his hand to inspect it front and back. It was done both quickly and cleanly.

Bai Su offered a gentle smile: “It is merely a habit. Do it enough times, and one naturally becomes proficient.”

Situ Chen paused, suddenly recalling that the man before him had once been Xiling’s renowned young general.

As for how he had grown accustomed to dressing wounds—it was naturally honed on battlefields clashing with the enemy. Living on the edge of a blade was the daily routine of warriors like him.

At this thought, Situ Chen found himself at a loss for words, feeling all the more ashamed of his past remarks. Fortunately, King Ning waved to him at the right moment: “Chen’er, care to come play a game of chess with your Imperial Uncle?”

Situ Chen rose immediately to sit opposite him, but just as he picked up a white stone, Chen Tian went back on his word: “Actually, forget it. Your Imperial Uncle’s chess skills are too profound; playing against you would feel like bullying. How about Zisu plays with you instead?”

With that, Chen Tian pulled Bai Su over to sit opposite Situ Chen, bafflingly turning it into a chess match between Bai Su and the Fifth Prince.
–

Author’s Note:

Miss Yan: My river lantern! My sky lantern! My Mr. Right! QAQ