The Sickly Beauty Official Faked His Death and Now the Tyrant Has Gone Mad - Chapter 42

Night fell quietly, with the gentle moonlight spilling into the courtyard. Even without lanterns, everything within the yard was clearly visible.

Lin Huaiyu thought it over and agreed to Su Yang’s proposal to go to Great Chu. It wasn’t because he was truly swayed by Su Yang’s plea about not wanting to miss seeing him one last time. Rather, he had never been to Great Chu before, and even if he couldn’t find the antidote’s catalyst, he thought it would be worthwhile just to see the scenery there.

Originally, he had been too lethargic to move, and his weakened body couldn’t endure a long journey. But if Su Yang accompanied him, he wouldn’t have to worry about the travel arrangements.

Once Lin Huaiyu relented, Su Yang’s heart eased. He looked at Lin Huaiyu and said, “I will never let you die.”

Lin Huaiyu, however, didn’t take it to heart. “I should have died in the twenty-first year of Yonghe. It’s only because I refused to die that I’ve managed to survive this long every extra day is a gain. But Su Yang, you must remember, you are the Emperor of Great Yong. You don’t live solely for yourself, nor for any single person. Think of your people.”

Su Yang didn’t argue further with Lin Huaiyu, only saying, “Whatever you say, I will listen.”

Lin Huaiyu smiled lightly on the surface, but deep down, he knew Su Yang might not truly heed his words though he wouldn’t ignore them entirely. How much Su Yang would take to heart depended entirely on him.

“Master!!!” Fang Zhixu’s frantic cry echoed from the corridor as he practically flew to Lin Huaiyu’s side. “Master, you’re finally awake!”

Looking at Fang Zhixu, who was like an eager puppy, Lin Huaiyu couldn’t help but ruffle his hair. “Have the flood relief efforts been handled?”

Fang Zhixu nodded. “Everything’s been taken care of. When I heard you were awake, I rushed over immediately. Master, are you alright?”

Lin Huaiyu glanced at Su Yang and said, “I plan to make a trip to Great Chu.”

Though Fang Zhixu’s eyes held a trace of confusion, he replied, “Then I’ll go too! Is Ji Wuyou trying to lure you away? I have to keep an eye on him!”

Lin Huaiyu knew Fang Zhixu would want to follow him, but he had to decline the young man’s well-intentioned offer. “Though Great Yong is stable now, and many corrupt officials in the capital have been purged, with His Majesty away from the capital, relying solely on Grand Secretary Tang, Zhao Xiangyi, and a few other senior ministers isn’t enough. I trust you stay with Zhao Xiangyi and help oversee the affairs of the court.”

Fang Zhixu’s eyes widened, the light in them dimming instantly. “If you won’t let me follow you, what if something happens on the road and there’s no one to help?”

Su Yang’s expression turned cold. “I will naturally take good care of him.”

Every time Fang Zhixu visited, he would cling to Lin Huaiyu and act coquettishly. Even though he was also the master’s student the first one, in fact he never had that privilege.

Fang Zhixu looked at Lin Huaiyu with a pitiful expression. Lin Huaiyu shook his head and patted his shoulder. “Don’t be willful. You don’t know martial arts, and you’re just a frail scholar. If something were to happen on the journey, wouldn’t my year of teaching you everything I know go to waste?”

Fang Zhixu lowered his head. Though unwilling, he knew Lin Huaiyu was right. He wouldn’t be of much help on the trip and might even become a burden if trouble arose.

Seeing the “puppy” wilt, Lin Huaiyu smiled gently. “The responsibilities in the capital are heavy, and I entrust this important task to you. I believe you can handle it well.”

Upon hearing this, Fang Zhixu could hardly refuse. He quickly replied, “I understand, Master. Don’t worry, I will definitely protect the people of Dayong.”

Lin Huaiyu couldn’t resist patting his head again, but this time his hand missed as Su Hao caught it. Su Hao placed Lin’s hand on his own body and said, “If you’re not well, don’t exert yourself with such movements.”

Turning back to Fang Zhixu, he added, “Go pack your things. We leave tomorrow.”

Fang Zhixu dared not glare at Su Hao, but he couldn’t help exclaiming, “So soon?! Why the rush?”

Su Hao glanced at Fang Zhixu, his expression impassive. “Master’s condition cannot be delayed. Every extra day is a risk.”

Fang Zhixu could only concede, “Alright then Master, I’ll take my leave now. I’ll come to see you off tomorrow morning!”

Before Lin Huaiyu could speak, Su Hao handed him the medicine. “Master, it’s time for your medicine.”

Lin Huaiyu’s words were cut short. He gave Su Hao a faint look, the other’s intentions all too clear. With a light chuckle, he said, “This medicine doesn’t seem to do much good. Let’s skip it.”

Su Hao frowned, coaxing him gently, “What if it helps? Even gaining an extra day or moment is worth it. Please take a little, alright?”

Lin Huaiyu lowered his gaze, but before he could refuse, Su Hao produced a small paper packet from somewhere, containing a rabbit-shaped pastry. He continued to coax, “If you take the medicine, Master, this little bunny is yours. How about that?”

The next morning, Lin Huaiyu was awakened by Su Hao not because Su Hao made any noise, but because he felt himself being moved. Opening his eyes, he found himself in Su Hao’s arms, already inside a spacious carriage large enough for him to sleep in. Seeing him awake, Su Hao smiled and said, “Did I wake you? I was hoping to carry you into the carriage without disturbing you, but it seems I failed.”

The carriage was cool, with ice blocks placed inside. Lying there, Lin Huaiyu felt exceptionally comfortable and didn’t scold Su Hao for carrying him without permission. Instead, he teased, “You’re quite impatient.”

Su Hao replied, “When it concerns your life, Master, how could I not be? I wish I had wings to fly straight to Dachu.”

Lin Huaiyu settled into a comfortable position and asked, “Just the two of us?”

Su Hao raised an eyebrow, thinking Lin Huaiyu was disappointed. Gritting his teeth, he said, “Yes, just the two of us. Ji Wuyou has gone ahead to Dachu to make arrangements for us.”

Lin Huaiyu nodded casually and prepared to drift back to sleep. “Then let’s go.”

Su Hao gazed at Lin Huaiyu, his eyes soft. The carriage departed smoothly from the small town in Jiangnan.

When Fang Zhixu arrived to see Lin Huaiyu off, the Lin residence was already empty. Staring at the deserted house, he wailed, “Master!!!! Why didn’t you wait for me!”

The carriage traveled for a long time. Lin Huaiyu had no sense of how much time had passed, only that when he awoke, the sky was still bright, so he likely hadn’t slept for too long.

He glanced at the sky and rummaged through his belongings, pulling out a dagger. Although drawing blood to expel the poison was no longer very effective, without doing so, his remaining days would be even fewer.

Just as he was about to make a cut on his arm, his wrist holding the dagger was seized.

Lin Huaiyu looked up. “What are you doing?”

Su Yang looked at Lin Huaiyu, taking the dagger from his hand. The cold glint of the silver blade reflected Su Yang’s narrow, long eyes. “Let me help you.”

Lin Huaiyu had no martial skills and couldn’t control his strength. If it weren’t absolutely necessary, he wouldn’t have wanted to cut his own arm. So he extended his arm toward Su Yang, turning his head away to avoid looking. “Then you do it.”

Su Yang knew Lin Huaiyu feared pain. With his other hand, he gently rubbed Lin Huaiyu’s arm, soothing him. “I’ll be gentle.”

Lin Huaiyu didn’t respond or turn back. Suddenly, a cold sensation spread across his arm, and he immediately furrowed his brows, letting out a soft groan. Blood began to seep from the wound.

Just as he was about to grit his teeth, a cube of sugar was suddenly placed in his mouth. His lips brushed against Su Yang’s fingertips as Su Yang chuckled. “Teacher, are you trying to bite my finger off?”

Lin Huaiyu held the sugar in his mouth, and the pain in his arm seemed to ease slightly. He retorted irritably, “So what if I did? You deserve it.”

Su Yang smiled, sheathing the dagger and tending to Lin Huaiyu’s wound to stop the bleeding. “Yes, I deserve it.”

Lin Huaiyu was already frail, and now, having lost blood, he leaned against the carriage window, letting Su Yang work while gazing outside. He let out a soft hiss.

Su Yang immediately lightened his touch. “Did I hurt you?”

Lin Huaiyu only replied, “No.”

Su Yang looked up at Lin Huaiyu, who was turned away, watching the scenery outside. Yet, his brows were slightly furrowed, and his beautiful peach-blossom eyes held a hint of tears, stirring a restless ache in Su Yang’s heart.

After finishing the bandaging, Su Yang leaned closer. “It won’t hurt anymore. Don’t cry.”

In the past, he had always wanted to possess Lin Huaiyu, to break that cold and proud man from his lofty perch, to make him cry, to see his face flush with emotions stirred by him.

But now, he only wished for that person to remain safe and sound before him. He wanted Lin Huaiyu’s lips to often carry that gentle, faint smile.

Lin Huaiyu turned his head, not expecting Su Yang to be so close. He nearly bumped into him. In his momentary confusion, the carriage suddenly jolted, causing Lin Huaiyu to lose his balance and fall directly into Su Yang’s embrace.

Su Yang immediately steadied him, holding him tightly in his arms as if this moment were a heaven-sent blessing. He couldn’t bear to let go, wishing time would stand still.

But Lin Huaiyu soon pulled away from Su Yang’s embrace. “Your Majesty has forgotten what you promised me before.”

Su Yang cried out in protest. “But Teacher, you fell into my arms yourself.”

Lin Huaiyu ignored him, settling back into his seat and gazing at the scenery outside. His eyes were filled with the beauty of the landscape. After a long while, he whispered softly, “If one day, I die…”

Su Yang, still lost in the lingering warmth of the embrace, the scent of medicine clinging to Lin Huaiyu, suddenly heard these words and hurriedly interrupted in panic. “Don’t talk nonsense!”

But Lin Huaiyu continued, “If I really die, bury me in a place I’ve never been to. I like beautiful places, with clear waters and green mountains. When the time comes, just bury me there…”

Before Lin Huaiyu could even finish speaking, Su Yang’s eyes were already red, on the verge of tears.

Lin Huaiyu turned to meet those eyes and sighed with a helpless smile. “The mighty Emperor of Dayong, how have you become so timid now? I merely spoke of what happens after death, why are you so fragile?”

He looked at Su Yang and continued, “Everyone dies. It’s just my turn. Back in the capital, when the imperial palace ran red with blood, I didn’t see you like this. You are the Emperor of Dayong, destined to stand alone. Su Yang, you have your responsibilities. Do you understand?”

Su Yang pressed his lips together, offering no rebuttal this time. Instead, he followed along, saying, “Once you’re cured and the poison is gone, I’ll listen to whatever you say. Even if you tell me to remain a solitary ruler, I’ll obey.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Lin Huaiyu’s eyes as he regarded Su Yang with a teasing tone. “So now you’re willing to listen to me?”

Su Yang replied, “Of course I’ll listen. I’ve always listened to you, in everything.”

Lin Huaiyu raised a skeptical brow. “Really?”

Su Yang gazed deeply at him. “You can test me, Teacher.”

Lin Huaiyu glanced at him, a faint smile playing on his lips. “In that case, let go of my hand.”

Su Yang looked down at his own hand, which had unconsciously tightened around Lin Huaiyu’s wrist in his anxiety. He forced a strained smile and released his grip.

Rubbing his palm absently, he lowered his head, a wave of dejection washing over him.

He knew he deserved this. He was unworthy of touching Lin Huaiyu now. If not for him, Lin Huaiyu would never have ended up in such a state. He had no right to ask for anything more. If it meant Lin Huaiyu could be cured of the poison, he would gladly trade his own life in exchange.

He didn’t dare look directly at Lin Huaiyu, his eyes instead drifting to the hem of the other’s robe. Lin Huaiyu wore a snow-white, lightweight garment, as if draped in a layer of frost. He had seen Lin Huaiyu dressed like this before, but now the man was even thinner. The robe hung loosely on his frame, the belt cinched so tightly that his waist seemed small enough to be encircled by a single hand.

In that moment, no improper thoughts crossed Su Yang’s mind. All he could think was how the poison had tormented Lin Huaiyu for years, leaving him so frail and light.

The fact that Lin Huaiyu could still sit calmly with him in this carriage was already a testament to the bond they once shared as teacher and student in the capital.

How could he dare, or even hope, for anything more?

Lost in thought, he suddenly heard Lin Huaiyu’s soft voice again. “You squeezed my hand too hard. That one’s injured. Use the other hand instead.”

Su Yang immediately looked up, his dark eyes lighting up as if a brilliant star had fallen into them.