Understanding at once, Mu Xueshi dove into the lake fully clothed. The sand and dust from the Soapberry Horn tree trunk washed off into the water, clouding the once-clear surface around him. Oblivious, he scrubbed his face vigorously, excitement written all over him.
The water carried a faint fragrance. It was warm rather than cold, soothing against the skin—so comfortable one could almost drift to sleep.
But Mu Xueshi had no intention of closing his eyes. Within moments, he felt the ink-mud dissolving from his skin, his face becoming incomparably smooth. He bent to look at his reflection—only to see a thin layer of black residue floating atop the now-murky water, obscuring everything.
He swallowed and glanced toward the shore.
As expected, the Third Prince’s gaze was icy enough to kill.
Mu Xueshi’s excitement vanished instantly. He rubbed at his face sheepishly before lowering his hands. Attempting a conciliatory smile, he found no change in the prince’s expression. At once, he fell silent and obediently swam back.
“Um…” He scratched his ear, eyes darting. “I… dirtied your lake. What should I do?”
The prince regarded him steadily. Mu Xueshi avoided his gaze, fingers fidgeting restlessly at his sash and jade pendant. Now that his face was washed clean, it was flawless as white jade, paired with brilliant, luminous eyes—enough to steal the soul of any onlooker.
The Third Prince retained just enough composure to recall that Lingzi Lake would cleanse itself in time. Meanwhile, there was ample opportunity to punish this feigning fool before him.
“I have never touched these waters,” the prince said coolly. “You have fouled them without hesitation.”
Then, with a faint smile at the corner of his lips, he declared, “Very simple. Enter Lingzi Lake without a single thread upon you.”
Mu Xueshi pondered the phrase—and promptly went pale. He threw himself to his knees.
“Spare me, Your Highness! Show mercy! This commoner will not dare again. I can swim! If you intend to drown me, I would die unwillingly!”
The prince was momentarily speechless.
He had merely meant to shame him.
“Are you frightened?” the prince asked, lifting Mu Xueshi’s chin.
Long ago, he had asked him whether he feared death. Then, Mu Xueshi had answered with serene indifference.
After thinking carefully, Mu Xueshi now replied, “If Your Highness wishes me to speak falsely, then I can say without hesitation—I am not afraid.”
The prince blinked, then laughed softly. Such absurd words, yet strangely amusing.
“Since you are not afraid, then disrobe. Have you forgotten the purpose of this visit, Young Master Xue?”
Realization dawned on Mu Xueshi. They had come to bathe together.
He chuckled at himself before efficiently removing his clothes. Though the garments were intricate, he was no longer in haste. Piece by piece, they fell away.
Under the moonlight, he stood entirely bare. His body was like sculpted white jade, radiating a purity almost sacred. A faint smile rested upon his lips, like a celestial being untouched by mortal dust.
The Third Prince found himself momentarily entranced.
Futile Devices Scans 
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