Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 18

Originally, it was thought that after the huge commotion caused by the disaster relief efforts and the execution of Yue Gaoyang, things would gradually settle down. However, on the very day the Emperor handed over subsequent matters to Zhen Puyang, He Lang and Zhen Puyang received a report that the convoy delivering relief supplies had been robbed.

Given the speed at which the action was carried out, it must have been someone within the court, and they definitely had a group of trained, non-court personnel. Zhen Puyang was somewhat irritated; he never liked dealing with such matters and was even more impatient now that it had caused so much trouble.

Upon investigation, He Lang discovered it was linked to Zhen Puqi. This result surprised him yet was somewhat expected.

When first meeting Zhen Puqi, everyone praised him as a gentleman, refined like jade, humble, courteous, and non-contentious. 

But to He Lang, he was not as carefree as he appeared. He did not truly lack ambition or merely enjoy life’s pleasures. He could not forget the deep, restrained look in Zhen Puqi’s eyes when he was humiliated that day.

He Lang felt that Zhen Puqi might be an even more dangerous figure than Prince Zhen Pujia. While they were clear about the Prince’s connections, officials supporting him, and his family’s bloodline, Zhen Puqi’s true intentions were less predictable. He could appear one way and act another behind the scenes, making it hard to devise a complete countermeasure.

With no clear plan to address the situation, He Lang suggested not to act rashly and only symbolically investigate the perpetrator, creating a false impression of their panic to reassure Zhen Puqi.

It seemed Zhen Puqi had no intention of taking drastic action this time, as there were no irreparable damages. They planned to turn a blind eye, fearing that this might be a tactic to lure them into a trap, where they could be caught off guard when they became frantic.

He Lang had his own solutions. Once everything was arranged, he was in good spirits, and Zhen Puyang followed suit, “Sir, are we really letting him go?” He frowned, recalling their previous interactions, “You and my brother seemed to get along well during the literary exam…”

“…I don’t recall such a thing?” They had merely exchanged a few polite remarks. How did it turn into a friendly conversation in His Highness’s account? He Lang smiled and intended to move on.

Zhen Puyang stood with his hands behind his back, tilting his head and showing off, “Since then, I’ve always been the winner of the literary exams.”

He Lang took a sip of tea and replied honestly, “You were evenly matched; it was merely the Emperor’s favoritism.”

“You’re the one with favoritism!” Zhen Puyang complained softly.

He Lang ignored this, used to Zhen Puyang’s complaints about favoritism, and looked out at the darkening sky. He quickly urged Zhen Puyang to return to the palace, his tone and manner exceptionally gentle, fearing he would linger.

“It’s late; please be a good child and rest.”

Zhen Puyang gazed at He Lang’s slightly pink lips from the tea, his mind wandering. He said insincerely, “I want to stay and listen to you read tonight. It’s rare for me to seek out knowledge; won’t you indulge me? I also want to hear more about how to be a good ruler.”

He Lang sighed, knowing Zhen Puyang was always this way, but was somewhat gratified by his proactive learning of governance skills.

However, it was already too late, and he feared if Zhen Puyang did not return, his servants would have to stay up all night.

“It’s too late; don’t make your maid worry. I’ll be sure to impart everything tomorrow morning, alright?”

Zhen Puyang abandoned his obedient pretense, acted shamelessly, and threw off his outer garments, rolling onto He Lang’s bed and refusing to get up, “No, I’ll sleep here tonight.”

“This is not appropriate.”

“Do you find me a bother, Sir? It’s so cold and dark outside. I’ve already taken off my outer clothes; I might catch a cold. Can you bear to let me go out?”

“How could that be…” He Lang shook his head.

“Then it’s settled.” Zhen Puyang immediately agreed, adjusting his position and settling into the innermost part of the bed, leaving a spacious area for He Lang. Seeing He Lang still hesitating, he urged him with a look and a pat on the bed.

Accepting the situation, He Lang changed clothes under Zhen Puyang’s intense gaze, then lit a candle, drew the curtains, and lay down.

“I’ll tell you about the wise rulers of various dynasties.”

Though He Lang was tired, he closed his eyes, and began recounting historical examples of exemplary emperors, making an effort to tell the stories as best he could.

This gave Zhen Puyang the chance he sought. Unbeknownst to He Lang, Zhen Puyang’s eyes were roaming over his side profile inch by inch.

Zhen Puyang seemed entranced, nearly pressing himself against He Lang’s chest, eager to be close and hear his heartbeat.

He usually spoke in a soft voice, which was easily lost in noisy surroundings. But now, in their intimate proximity, his voice was particularly clear in the night, steady, with a faint, attractive resonance even in the low tones.

Zhen Puyang could even hear He Lang’s breathing, like sipping a warm tea, the gentle warmth reaching his heart.

Moreover, all the words spoken were meant for him… He could savor the moment, hold him close, listen to his whispers, smell his scent, and gaze freely at his handsome face.

Zhen Puyang couldn’t help but smile, though he also felt a conflicted urge to scold himself.

He never imagined he would find himself nestled in another man’s embrace, patiently listening to his lengthy discourse, and he never thought he would find such a feeling so delightful.

Moreover, having just experienced this sensation, he felt a strong attachment. How would he cope in the future?

He gazed at the man’s moving lips, feeling a twinge of internal struggle. A tiny seed was planted in his heart, gradually taking root and forming a vague idea.

He was new to love and did not fully understand what it meant, but he knew his heart was intensely growing, breaking through emotional barriers.

His mind, his heart, and every part of him told him that he liked the Tai Fu, to the extent that seeing anyone else made him burn with anger.

He didn’t care whether he was right or wrong; he was determined and stubborn. No matter what, he would get the person he wanted. If not… Zhen Puyang’s eyelashes fluttered, his eyes deep.

If not, he would pursue it to the end.

The candlelight on the bedside table flickered behind the curtain like a playful shadow, swaying back and forth. Coupled with the man’s gentle voice, it had a hypnotic effect. As Zhen Puyang’s fixation deepened, he let his consciousness drift away, snuggling into the warm embrace and falling into a sound sleep for the entire night.

Soft breathing sounds emerged as He Lang finished the story and slightly opened his eyes, expressing his hope, “I wish that Your Highness will also become such a wise ruler in the future…” But when he looked down, he found that the young man had somehow moved into his arms and was sound asleep.

Usually, to maintain his authority, His Highness would often adopt a stern and aloof demeanor, but now, he lay in He Lang’s arms like a child, his face still youthful. Anyone would find it hard to believe that this was the same Prince who had previously acted so recklessly.

He Lang chuckled softly. He wondered why it was so quiet and realized the Prince had already fallen asleep. He got up, extinguished the candle, and pulled the blanket over the Prince’s shoulders, worried he might still feel cold. He gently draped his arm over him and held him close, then fell into a deep sleep himself.

However, the normally sleeping Zhen Puyang curved his lips into a smile in He Lang’s embrace. Sir, you have taught me patience. So, wait until he truly grows up, and then he will seize everything he desires in one go.

**Author’s Note:**

I’ve been staying up all night watching “Ling Qi” and “Yong Mo Express” lately… I’m addicted to Chinese animation and can’t get enough. My Bilibili account is practically worn out. Any more recommendations?