Tan Hua - Chapter 102: Bathing in Color

Chapter 102: Bathing in Color

Jun Qiyu stood at the door for a while. Because Qi Miao had instructed him that he was not suited for the blinding sunlight, it was better for him to first adapt to the dim moonlight. So, he had come out for a walk, removed the blindfold, and enjoyed the night for a while.

Just as he was retying the cloth to cover his eyes, he heard a woman clumsily speaking to him, apologizing.

Jun Qiyu squinted, then remembered that this was the beauty that Governor Xu had presented to him.

However, this beauty seemed absent-minded. He had only asked her who she was, and she immediately burst into tears, as if she had suffered some great injustice.

“How odd.”

If this had been in the past, when Jun Qiyu’s temper was worse, he would have had someone drag her away. But after spending time with Song Liqing, his patience had improved, and he had become much more easygoing in his interactions with others.

Moreover, he was in a good mood these days, so he didn’t want to press the matter further.

“Oh, you’re Hu Yue’er,” Jun Qiyu said. “Sorry, I can’t see.”

Sorry…

Hu Yue’er froze in place.

The crown prince actually apologized to her! This was an immense honor!

In Hu Yue’er’s eyes, the crown prince was like a god who always had his way. Whatever he did was right, and there was no need for him to apologize to anyone. Moreover, everyone knew that Jun Qiyu had a bad temper, and one had to be extremely careful around him. A single mistake could lead to his wrath.

“It’s fine… it’s nothing, Your Highness.”

Her eyes welled up. The crown prince not only remembered her, but also showed such kindness.

Jun Qiyu then asked, “These days, have you been going to Wangqing Tower?”

“Ah, yes,” Hu Yue’er replied honestly.

“Mm… has Liqing said anything to you?”

Jun Qiyu wasn’t gossiping. He was just curious about what Song Liqing was thinking.

Knowing oneself and one’s enemy leads to victory in every battle.

Since Song Liqing refused to open up to him, Jun Qiyu had no choice but to inquire indirectly.

“What do you mean?” Hu Yue’er asked, confused.

“Anything. His likes, thoughts, or if he has mentioned someone he likes, or his lover…”

Jun Qiyu felt a bit awkward. Wasn’t this too petty of him?

The intelligent and witty Hu Yue’er understood.

The crown prince had just captured the person and was now trying to gain his favor.

Hu Yue’er’s mind spun. How could she let this fool steal the spotlight?

“Yes, he often stands at Wangqing Tower, looking in the northwest direction, thinking of his lover.”

“Oh? Really? He even told you this? He said the words ‘lover’ himself?”

Jun Qiyu wasn’t entirely convinced, but it was true that Song Liqing often thought about his brother, Xing Xu.

Lover or not, it sounded like nonsense.

“Yes, I am always straightforward and sincere with others. He trusts me, that’s why he told me. Otherwise, how would I know he was once married? Since Your Highness asked, I will tell others his secret. He just can’t forget the past. Please don’t blame him.”

Jun Qiyu remained silent, clearly annoyed with the fool.

Hu Yue’er fanned herself and said, “Sigh… He has tried several times to leave Kirin Manor, just to meet with his lover. Why not just… let him be?”

“What do you know?”

Jun Qiyu snorted, clearly irritated. Hu Yue’er, afraid of being implicated, quickly fell silent.

Jun Qiyu turned and walked away, most likely heading to Wangqing Tower to settle the matter.

“Your Highness, you’re not in the best condition. Let me help you,” Hu Yue’er offered.

She wanted to watch the drama unfold. She was curious to see how the crown prince would deal with that fool.

“No need, I’m more familiar with Kirin Manor than you are.”

Jun Qiyu refused, walking arrogantly. He knew every brick and tile of Kirin Manor, and now that he could see through the gaps, he could navigate it just fine.

When Jun Qiyu knocked on the door, the maid had already prepared hot water, and Song Liqing was getting ready to bathe, eager to relax after his exhausting escapes. His legs were sore, and he planned to soak in the water to rejuvenate himself.

“Liqing, are you asleep?”

“No…”

Song Liqing answered honestly, but then realized he didn’t want to see him. Every time Jun Qiyu came, they’d be stuck talking for ages and couldn’t get rid of him, so he changed his answer.

“I’m asleep!”

But it was too late. Jun Qiyu had already slipped in through the gap in the door.

Hearing the noise, Song Liqing quickly pulled up the half-removed clothes.

“Don’t come in, I’m bathing.”

Jun Qiyu peeked his head around, but the screen blocked his view.

“It’s fine, we don’t need to stand on ceremony.” Jun Qiyu added in his heart, “It’s not like I’ve never seen you before.”

But now, it felt so difficult to see him. Jun Qiyu lamented internally.

“Ah, what are you doing?”

Seeing Jun Qiyu making his way in, Song Liqing blocked him.

“I… I’ll help you wash your back. Your back injuries aren’t healed, right? It must be difficult for you to wash.”

Jun Qiyu casually came up with an excuse.

“No need.”

Song Liqing felt uncomfortable. Undressing in front of Jun Qiyu felt extremely unsafe.

“Yes, there is a need.”

Jun Qiyu insisted on squeezing in, but Song Liqing firmly blocked him.

“Liqing, are you afraid of me seeing you? I’m blind now. Even if you let me see, I wouldn’t be able to. Hm? What’s that smell? You haven’t had your back rubbed for days, have you? Your body must be sore. If you really don’t want me to, I’ll call a maid to do it.”

Jun Qiyu was dead set on this. Song Liqing liked cleanliness, so he wouldn’t tolerate being called smelly.

Sure enough, Song Liqing immediately sniffed his robe. It didn’t smell sour, but books said one couldn’t smell their own odor.

Jun Qiyu wasn’t entirely wrong. Anyway, he was blind now.

Having a girl rub his back wasn’t as good as letting Jun Qiyu do it.

In the past, he hadn’t even let Xiao Di serve him in the bath.

Thinking this, Song Liqing weakened his resistance.

Jun Qiyu easily squeezed in. As Song Liqing saw him fumbling about, his discomfort lessened.

“Have you taken off your clothes?” Jun Qiyu asked as he stood there. “Do you want me to help?”

“I’ll do it myself.”

Song Liqing still felt awkward, so he turned around and began to slowly undress.

Jun Qiyu stood motionless. From the gap in the screen, his view was limited. He could only see Song Liqing’s delicate ankles. Jun Qiyu’s heart itched, and he craned his neck to catch a glimpse of the smooth calf.

Before he could take a closer look, Song Liqing had already stepped into the bath, hiding beneath the warm water.

Jun Qiyu couldn’t help but feel regret.

“Aren’t you going to let me wash your back? Why are you still standing there?” Song Liqing asked, looking back.

“Oh, coming, coming.”

Jun Qiyu hurried over. Song Liqing handed him a gourd ladle, and Jun Qiyu scooped up some hot water, gently wetting Song Liqing’s black hair.

Jun Qiyu’s vision was already limited, and the hot steam made it even more difficult to see. Everything around him was blurry. The only thing clear was Song Liqing’s smooth back, which, in the candlelight, seemed to emit a faint, pure glow.