Early in the morning, soft sunlight streamed into the room, illuminating Mu Xueshi’s fair face and giving it a smooth, translucent glow. The corners of his delicate lips were slightly downturned, as though something unpleasant had happened in his dreams.
The Third Prince had already returned from court. He had intended to wake Mu Xueshi, but after watching him for a while, he found himself unable to do so.
A moment later, two deep, gemstone-like eyes suddenly flew open and looked teasingly at the Third Prince. His expression was both lovable and mischievous.
“I was already awake, actually. Hahaha…”
As he laughed, Mu Xueshi seized the opportunity to flick the Third Prince on the forehead. In all the world, probably only Mu Xueshi would dare do such a thing. Afraid of retaliation, he immediately curled up and burrowed beneath the blankets, wrapping himself tightly from head to toe.
The Third Prince merely smiled faintly and quietly walked out.
“Not long after Your Highness left, Young Master Xue got up. He even practiced martial arts all morning and has already bathed and changed clothes,” Qingya reported truthfully, her bright eyes sparkling.
Qingzhu nodded sweetly and added, “And Young Master Xue practiced his calligraphy too. Grand Eunuch Shangde even invited a Grand Tutor to teach him personally. The Grand Tutor praised Young Master Xue for being exceptionally intelligent. After only a few lessons, he could already recite everything perfectly.”
The Third Prince showed no reaction on his face, but inwardly he was somewhat surprised. Ever since Mu Xueshi had recovered from his injuries, he seemed far more diligent than before. He had assumed sleeping late was simply part of Mu Xueshi’s nature, yet somehow he had changed. In the past, he had to be forced to study or practice martial arts. Now he did both of his own accord.
“Prepare some pastries and fresh fruit for Xueshi.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Under the blankets, Mu Xueshi was nearly suffocating from the lack of air. Hearing no movement outside, he wondered why the Third Prince still hadn’t pulled the blanket away.
Did his arm cramp up or something?
In the end, like a newly hatched chick, Mu Xueshi created a tiny opening in the blanket and peeked through it. After making sure the coast was clear, he emerged completely.
“Damn it, that’s so unfair! I’m going to destroy you!”
With a shout, Mu Xueshi sprang from the bed and charged outside.
The moment he reached the front hall, he crashed into someone and was immediately caught in their arms. He hurriedly looked up.
“And who exactly are you planning to destroy?”
Mu Xueshi’s bright eyes darted about before he finally grinned shamelessly.
“Destroy pests. Every morning I water the flowers in your flowerbeds and catch bugs.”
“Yes, indeed. Young Master Xue is very hardworking,” Qingzhu chimed in from the side.
Mu Xueshi chuckled and turned to the Third Prince.
“See?”
“Not only does Young Master Xue catch the bugs and take them away, he also fattens them up before releasing them back again.”
The smile on Mu Xueshi’s face instantly froze.
Breaking free from the Third Prince’s embrace, he whirled around and pointed at Qingzhu.
“What nonsense are you spouting? My great project isn’t finished yet. Don’t reveal the secret ahead of time.”
“Project?”
The Third Prince promptly pulled him back again.
Mu Xueshi nodded solemnly.
“I’m learning gu arts from Poison Master Moru. Those bugs are gu insects.”
The moment he finished speaking, Qingzhu burst into laughter. Qingya shoved her lightly, only to end up laughing herself.
“What are you laughing at?”
Mu Xueshi glared at them, ready to assert his authority.
Qingzhu showed no fear whatsoever.
“Your Highness, the things Young Master Xue is raising are hardly gu insects. They’re just fat caterpillars. They’ve chewed your precious flowers and plants until branches and leaves are missing everywhere. Meanwhile, the bugs themselves are all plump and thriving.”
Mu Xueshi immediately looked displeased. Narrowing his eyes at the two maids, he spoke with utter disdain.
“What do women know about such matters? This is a long-term plan. Sacrificing a few flowers doesn’t matter. The important thing is the insects. If they don’t eat well, how can they cultivate? And if they don’t cultivate, how will they become spirits?”
“Yes, yes, Young Master Xue is always right. The pastries are here now. Please eat them while they’re still warm.”
Just as Mu Xueshi reached for a lotus seed pastry, he paused. His hand changed direction and reached for the fruit instead.
After eating only two pieces of fruit, he wiped his mouth and announced that he was done.
Qingya looked somewhat disappointed.
“Does Young Master Xue not like the pastries? I woke up early this morning specifically to make them for you.”
Mu Xueshi immediately waved his hands.
“No, no, that’s not it. I really want to eat them, but I can’t. I have to eat fixed portions at fixed times. Otherwise I’ll get fat.”
“But Young Master Xue isn’t fat at all.”
Qingzhu stretched out her arm for comparison.
“Your arm isn’t even as thick as mine.”
“But it’s thicker than some people’s. They’re skinny as demons.”
As he spoke, Mu Xueshi shot a sideways glance at the Third Prince.
Qingzhu looked puzzled.
“Who is Young Master Xue talking about?”
“The person I’m talking about knows exactly who I mean.”
Mu Xueshi stole another glance at the Third Prince’s reaction.
Qingya understood immediately and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Why make things difficult for yourself? When has the Third Prince ever given his heart to anyone else? Even the servants can see it clearly, yet Young Master Xue still insists on competing with himself.
“Young Master Xue, even if you were fatter and ate twice as much, you’d still be far more beautiful than that sort of person. Don’t make things hard on yourself.”
Mu Xueshi snorted twice and said sourly,
“That’s not necessarily true. Last night, someone said my stomach was too round and looked like a steamed bun.”
The Third Prince’s expression darkened.
“Finish your breakfast. Otherwise, don’t even think about going out today.”
Mu Xueshi stuck out his tongue but obediently picked up a lotus seed pastry and began nibbling at it.
Inside, however, he remained thoroughly unconvinced.
The Third Prince felt rather wronged himself. When he had commented on Mu Xueshi’s stomach the previous night, he had meant no criticism at all. On the contrary, he had been praising Mu Xueshi’s skin for being so fair and smooth.
Who would have thought Mu Xueshi would twist his words into something entirely different?
“I’m done eating.”
Mu Xueshi held out his hands.
Although the Third Prince still looked somewhat displeased, he gently wiped them clean for him.
“Young Master Xue, the horses have been prepared. When shall we leave for the Grand Tutor’s Manor?”
“I’m not going to the Grand Tutor’s Manor today. I’m going to Linhan Palace.”
Mu Xueshi shouted the announcement toward the doorway.
The Third Prince lowered his gaze to him.
“What are you going to Linhan Palace for?”
“To examine Ning Yue’s corpse. I believe that’s the true breakthrough point in the case.”
Mu Xueshi stared into the distance with a solemn expression, looking every bit like someone carrying a heavy responsibility.
The Third Prince lowered his eyes slightly.
“Then hurry and go. Don’t waste time.”
Mu Xueshi’s shoulders immediately slumped, and a trace of grievance appeared in his determined gaze.
“You’re not coming with me?”
“This case is your responsibility. How can I interfere?”
“But there are corpses there.”
“Mm.”
“There are even two identical corpses.”
“Mm.”
“And they’ve already decomposed into piles of bones…”
“Mm.”
“I’m scared.”
Unable to hold out any longer, Mu Xueshi threw his arms around the Third Prince’s arm.
A faint smile appeared at the corners of the Third Prince’s lips.
You should have just said so from the beginning…
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