A report sounded from outside, startling Mu Xueshi from his thoughts. When he looked again at the Third Prince, the man stood before an ancient scroll painting, gazing intently at its sparse brushstrokes, brows knitted in contemplation as though the world beyond did not exist.
There he goes again, pretending to be a scholar, Mu Xueshi curled his lip exaggeratedly. Though the prince’s back faced him, he somehow seemed aware of that expression. The painted scene before him appeared to come alive under that silent scrutiny.
Mu Xueshi edged closer, tentatively extending a hand several times before withdrawing it in defeat. At last, seeing the prince’s expression soften slightly, he gathered his courage and tapped him on the shoulder.
“Hey, Your Highness—someone’s calling for you outside. Why aren’t you answering?”
The Third Prince gave no response, not even turning his head.
Mu Xueshi blinked, circling him twice before muttering, “Don’t tell me you’ve fallen into qi deviation. Though… who can say for sure about you ancient folk? Don’t people die from cultivating martial arts too?”
Finally, drawing in a mighty breath, he shouted at full volume:
“Someone’s looking for you!”
The Third Prince snapped his head sideways, eyes flashing with a blade-like chill. Mu Xueshi stumbled back several steps, fear blooming across his exquisite face. His hands flailed as he stammered, “I—I just… was… reminding…”
Before he could finish, the prince turned and left without a word, shutting the bedchamber door behind him.
It took Mu Xueshi a long moment to recover. He rushed after him, eager to see what lay outside—but no matter how he strained, the door would not budge.
He sighed dramatically. Just moments ago, he had been too busy stuffing things into his sleeves to slip out before being discovered. Now that he had the chance, he could not even open the door.
Nothing vexed Mu Xueshi more than confinement. As a child he had been accused of hyperactivity—unable to sit still without swaying from side to side. The thought of being trapped forever in this lifeless chamber filled him with despair.
Suddenly, his crystal-clear eyes gleamed with inspiration.
He darted toward the window. The front window, when pushed open, faced directly toward the Third Prince’s stern countenance. Believing his reflexes swift enough, he ducked below the sill before the prince could notice and crawled toward the second window.
Rising swiftly, he placed his hands upon the ledge, preparing to swing a leg over—when he felt his feet leave the ground.
“Heavens above!”
He stared in disbelief as he seemed to float toward the bed—until a sharp tug at his collar enlightened him. He was being carried like a kitten.
Discovered again?
Before he could lament, two fingers pressed lightly against his chest. Instantly, his body froze, unable to move.
He struggled in vain, eyes wide with wonder.
“Wait—who taught you that?” he exclaimed, face alight with delight.
The Third Prince said nothing. He lifted Mu Xueshi and placed him upon the bed, drew down the gauze curtains, and departed.
Futile Devices Scans 
Leave a comment