Futile Devices Scans

In the morning, the Third Prince faintly heard a bit of movement. When he opened his eyes, he discovered a figure limping toward the door.

What was he doing so early?

Mu Xueshi supported his waist with one hand, walking with great difficulty like a heavily pregnant woman. Although every morning brought the awkwardness of inconvenient movement, it had never been this severe before. This was all thanks to the Third Prince’s madness last night, which had nearly taken his little life.

In the future, he absolutely could not play romantic games with someone like the Third Prince. When Mu Xueshi thought of last night’s world-turning passion, his whole heart was still thumping nonstop, and his face could not help heating up.

“Young Master Xue, why are you up so early?”

Qingya was wiping the table. She had thought the person coming out would be the Third Prince, and had not expected it to be Mu Xueshi.

While yawning, Mu Xueshi said to Qingya, “Keep your voice down. Don’t wake the Third Prince.”

“Young Master Xue has truly become more and more diligent lately.”

“How could I not be diligent? If I’m not diligent, I’ll be left behind by others.”

After saying this, Mu Xueshi left the baffled Qingya behind and went to the study by himself.

“I absolutely have to read more books and improve my cultivation. How dare he say I’m not intelligent enough? Let me tell you, back then, I was still an outstanding student. For this sort of thing, I practically remember everything after one glance…” Mu Xueshi spoke to himself in the empty room.

After memorizing several ancient poems, Mu Xueshi felt somewhat tired of it and wanted to find a few other books to read. After flipping back and forth, he finally picked out a copy of Ancient Grievance Mysteries and sat in a chair to read it.

“Isn’t it just a case? Just watch me! Within a week, I’ll definitely solve it. When the time comes, I’ll make all of you see me in a new light. I, this Judicial Affairs Minister, am not just eating idle meals.”

Mu Xueshi kept cheering himself on. The words in the book were somewhat obscure and difficult to understand, so he did not take in much of it.

Mu Xueshi carried several books back from the study and placed them at the head of the bed, deciding to cram properly and flip through them whenever he had time. He discovered that the spot where the Third Prince slept was already empty. Only Su Ying, that tiny little thing, was curled up in one corner of the bed, sleeping soundly. Mu Xueshi also walked back outside, intending to practice swordsmanship.

He still had not fully mastered the simple set of sword techniques Su Ruhan had taught him two days earlier, so he found an open space and began swinging his sword. As he practiced, he thought about yesterday’s scene. Yesterday, when he had crossed into Yu’er’s body, Yu’er had been sword dancing with the Third Prince. The Third Prince had said he had realized it was him the moment he crossed over. Did that not prove his swordsmanship was inferior to Yu’er’s?

Once he thought of this, Mu Xueshi no longer cared about the discomfort below. He desperately swung the long sword in his hand, hacking toward the flowers and plants in the courtyard.

From the Third Prince’s angle, what he saw was Mu Xueshi brimming with energy and spirit. His fair, clean face was illuminated by the newborn sun, giving it a pearl-like, lustrous glow. Those brilliant, sparkling eyes were even more beautiful, almost stealing away the soul of anyone who watched.

In just a few short days, although Mu Xueshi’s swordsmanship had not improved much, his movements had become far more agile. His tall, perfect figure made every motion appear pleasing to the eye.

“Watch my sword!” Mu Xueshi shouted, suddenly throwing the sword in his hand toward the Third Prince.

In the end, the Third Prince did not dodge at all. That sword fell to the ground while still a meter away from him, letting out a clear ring.

Mu Xueshi looked somewhat dejected and came over with his head drooping to pick up the sword.

The Third Prince picked up the sword first and held it in his own hand.

“That is enough for today. Do not practice anymore. Go bathe and change.”

“Oh.” Mu Xueshi’s energy seemed to have been stolen away, and he entered the room looking utterly dispirited.

Once everything had been taken care of, Mu Xueshi looked at the Third Prince not far away and slowly walked up to him.

“You don’t need to go with me to the Grand Tutor’s Manor today. I can go by myself. You’re a prince, and you have your own matters to handle. You can’t spend every day just accompanying me.”

When Mu Xueshi said this, he did not know whether he was saying it for the Third Prince to hear or for himself. In any case, making this decision was very difficult for him. He wished he could cling to the Third Prince twenty-four hours a day.

The Third Prince replied expressionlessly, “The Grand Tutor Mu case was originally taken over by me. I am deeply concerned about this case, and accompanying you to investigate it is my own intention.”

Don’t tempt me like this. My self-control is very weak… Mu Xueshi muttered inwardly.

“No need. I can do it myself. You should go take care of other matters.” Mu Xueshi let out an almost inaudible sigh. He did not want to keep dragging the Third Prince down.

“Other matters do not require an entire day.”

“Then handle them during the day.” Mu Xueshi advised the Third Prince from the bottom of his heart. He did not want the Third Prince going to meet Yu’er again in the dead of night.

As if he were a roundworm in Mu Xueshi’s stomach, the Third Prince immediately saw through his thoughts. “In the future, when I handle palace matters at night, I can bring you along.”

Mu Xueshi’s psychological defenses were already about to snap completely, but when he saw the faint lines at the corners of the Third Prince’s eyes, he still hardened his heart and refused his kindness.

“But when you handle those official documents at night, I’ve already gone to sleep, so you should finish your business during the day and sleep earlier at night. I can handle matters outside the palace properly. Trust me. There are so many servants by my side, so nothing will happen.”

The Third Prince understood Mu Xueshi’s thoughts and did not continue insisting. He only reminded him to lower his hat veil and not let anyone recognize him.

When he went to lead the horse, Qingzhu kept following beside Mu Xueshi. Only after they reached the stable and Qingzhu felt no one around could hear her did she raise her thumb at Mu Xueshi.

Mu Xueshi was completely confused, and a thought could not help popping into his mind. Was she praising his swordsmanship?

“Young Master Xue, you’re so amazing. I’ve served His Highness for so long, but I’ve never seen him take the initiative to ask for someone else’s opinion. Young Master Xue is far too heartless. You actually rejected His Highness. If anyone else heard that, they would probably be floating up to heaven from happiness.”

So that was it… Actually, I floated up to heaven too. I just didn’t grab onto anything, so I fell back down…

“Cough, cough… For me, this is simply an everyday matter. His Highness is always cold as ice in front of you, but behind closed doors, he often lowers himself and begs me.”

Tiny stars of worship immediately appeared in Qingzhu’s eyes.

Mu Xueshi’s vanity received a small bit of satisfaction, so he gracefully lifted one leg, gritted his teeth, and mounted the horse. Before leaving, he gave Qingzhu one instruction.

“Don’t tell the Third Prince this. He cares about face the most. If you tell him and he gets angry, he might kill you.”

Qingzhu hurriedly nodded. “I won’t tell. This servant absolutely won’t tell.”

“…”

Previous

Main

Next