Chapter 9.5

Fan Yuan heard a ‘badump’ in his heart. At this very moment, he really wanted to ask Tong Zhengxuan this——

“Motherf*cker, are you stupid?”

But obviously he couldn’t, because Yan Rui’s face was as black as the bottom of a pot. This man had a looming tendency to go on a rampage right in public display. This person had a hole in his head, he seemed to think that all the people in the world were his enemies, no, not just people, but also little cats and dogs and all the flora and fauna!

He felt that if he said one more word to Tong Zhengxuan, he would see the scene of this man lying dead on the street.

To be fair, Tong Zhengxuan was not some kind of good person. At the beginning, he was present at the scene where the original host was tortured, but he simply watched on coldly from start to end. To watch with his bare eyes as a sickly 14-year-old boy was murdered alive, it could be seen how cold-blooded he was.

However, in this world, who had the obligation to save people besides officials and physicians? If they saved someone, it would be a favour done, but if they didn’t, it wouldn’t be a failure of any obligations either. This was especially so for these kinds of officials’ children who had superficial family ties, they valued human life less seriously. Moreover, Tong Zhengxuan and Ning Xirong were closer to each other. The fact that he did not add fuel to fire was already considered kindness, so he wasn’t really in any position to blame him.

Due to these reasons, Fan Yuan had always been indifferent and kept his distance from this “cousin”. He didn’t want to offend the man or win him over. It was enough to just be ordinary distant relatives.

It was a pity that the colder he acted, the more enthusiastic his cold-faced cousin became. The frequency at which his frosty expression collapsed had also increased. From time to time, he would bring along a little puppy to amuse him and make him happy. Fan Yuan had clearly refused several times, but this person still insisted on doing it his way. Left with no choice, Fan Yuan could only shut himself in his home and refuse to meet any guests. He thought to himself, scholars were always that more haughty, Tong Zhengxuan probably wouldn’t pester him any more.

Unfortunately, this cousin of his was not normal! His personality was haughty because he could never really find anyone who he found pleasing, and it was precisely because he was young that this was even more rare. But Fan Yuan just had to catch his eye. You could imagine how persistent he was; he couldn’t enter the courtyard, so he directly decided to block those in the courtyard from leaving outside. Anyway, there was no way Fan Yuan wouldn’t leave Fukang Courtyard or the Ning Estate forever.

If Fan Yuan knew what Tong Zhengxuan was thinking, I am afraid that he would be annoyed to death. Fortunately, he wasn’t aware, so he simply felt a little complicated before thinking of a countermeasure.

He proceeded to pick up the little furry white puppy by his feet, simultaneously catching a glimpse of Yan Rui’s expression blackening even more. The corners of his mouth lifted as he turned and stuffed the dog into Tong Zhengxuan’s arms before silently putting distance between them.

“Cousin Tong, to tell you the truth, my yiniang will get red spots all over her body when she comes into contact with dog’s fur. It’s extremely painful and itchy, it makes her suffer a lot, so I absolutely can’t have a dog in my yard. I can only show my appreciation for your kindness.”

Tong Zhengxuan’s eyes brightened and he took a step closer, asking, “So you deliberately avoided me not because you hate me, but because your yiniang is not comfortable with dog fur?”

Fan Yuan saw that not only wasn’t he depressed, but instead, he was very happy! He really wanted to give himself a big slap, you were trying to be so smart!

Tong Zhengxuan saw his vexed expression and his smile deepened, “Ah Qi, it was Cousin who wasn’t good. I should have asked earlier. I won’t make you embarrassed any more in the future. In fact, I…”

“Qi’er, what’s the matter?” A certain someone finally couldn’t restrain himself, speaking out to interrupt Tong Zhengxuan’s words.

Fan Yuan’s body trembled within, that “Qi’er” was so corny! He watched as the man approached step by step with an expression so ugly that he almost couldn’t hold back but laugh. When Yan Rui was jealous, besides being a little fierce, he was actually quite adorable.

On the other hand, Tong Zhengxuan did not think that there was anything to laugh at. With squinted eyes, he looked towards the Cheng Yaojin that had suddenly cut in halfway and put on a superficial smile and asked, “General Yuan knows our family’s Ah Qi?”

Yan Rui swept an icy glance at him. His gaze was a casual one, but it made one feel a chill down their spine. Fan Yuan was worried that he would lose himself in a moment of impulse and beat the man up right in the big street, so he hurriedly grabbed Yan Rui’s hand and laughed, “Big Brother Yuan, this is my cousin Tong Zhengxuan. Ah, how foolish of me, you two are both officials in court, you must have known each other to begin with. How did it come down to me to be so absent-minded and help introduce the two of you to each other?”

The meaning behind his act of settling differences through a way of compromise was very obvious. Yan Rui naturally understood this as well, and he found that Fan Yuan’s little hand was rubbing against the inside of his palm. The delicate touch made his chest hot and his expression began to gradually soften. He no longer cared about fussing over Tong Zhengxuan either, and simply nodded his head cooperatively.

However, Tong Zhengxuan was displeased. Ah Qi’s and Yuan Ting’s interlocked hands deeply stabbed his eyes. Just some time ago, he used to visit Fukang Courtyard often, so he knows what kind of temperament his cousin had. He appeared gentle and submissive, but in fact, he was cold and distant. Apart from Xu-shi, not to mention letting others touch him, it was hard enough to get close to him! But now, he was taking the initiative to hold Yuan Ting’s hand!

Suppressing his anger, he asked with gritted teeth, “Ah Qi, how did you and General Yuan get to know each other? Why has Cousin never heard you mention this?”

Fan Yuan held onto Yan Rui’s palm tightly and said, perplexed, “Why do I need to tell Cousin about which friends I make? Even my yiniang has never asked about this. Isn’t Cousin caring too much.”

Tong Zhengxuan quickly explained, “It is not that I’m trying to get involved in your matters, I am just worried that you will be cheated by others. You are still so young, you are still unaware of the ways of the world.”

Yan Rui mused on it, “Your meaning is that I will cheat Qi’er?”

“This is really hard to say. Ah Qi was raised in the Ning Manor ever since he was young. He has had little contact with outsiders, his personality being naturally innocent and naive. He is especially susceptible to trusting others, how could he have as extensive of an experience as General Yuan. I have heard about the matter of you killing 30000 prisoners of war. I personally think that a person like General Yuan who has blood soaking your hands, will always carry fierce energy. But for Ah Qi who has had a weak body since young, I am afraid he cannot withstand that. If anything happens, I am afraid that General Yuan can’t bear that responsibility.”

Yan Rui chuckled lightly and said, “You scholars are so particular, even an ordinary man like me cannot understand you. Why don’t we let Qi’er choose for himself. If he isn’t willing to be with me, I won’t force him either. From this day on, I won’t meet him ever again.”

As he said that, he let go of Fan Yuan’s hand. Seeing that he was willing to give in, Tong Zhengxuan’s expression eased slightly.

Fan Yuan listened as Yan Rui flung the problem over to him. How could he not know what the man was planning! He inwardly grumbled that the man was truly cunning, but on the surface, he didn’t have a single shred of hesitation, grabbing Yan Rui’s hand that was pulling away and shaking his head, “Brother Yuan, of course I’m willing. In this world, I like you the most.”

Tong Zhengxuan’s face turned white. Witnessing the boy turn his head to glance at him, he was just about to attempt to persuade him again, but he heard himself get reproached instead, “Cousin, I know you are doing it for my good, but killing prisoners of war was a just act. The war in the northwest ensued incessantly, leaving the civilians displaced. Wherever the Tatars went, they would rape and plunder, commiting all sorts of atrocities. If he didn’t kill them, would he not have let down those innocent victims! As for the matter of his fierce aura conflicting with me, that is even more ridiculous. Since I met Big Brother Yuan, my health has improved gradually. It is when I’m with him that I’m actually happy. Don’t say these words again in the future. ”

When Tong Zhengxuan saw the two of them leave hand-in-hand, he was so angry that his body trembled all over. What kind of drug did Yuan Ting use to make Ah Qi listen to him like that!

*******************

Fan Yuan sent the attendant boy serving at the study to report back to Xu-shi before he and Yan Rui went to the Moon-gazing Inn together. The light porridge and desserts there were very famous. They were not greasy, carrying a delicate fragrance that was mouth-wateringly delicious. They were also beneficial to your health. Yan Rui had made a promise with him earlier, so he had reserved a private room on the top floor in advance. After finishing the qualification examination, he brought him here to satisfy his craving for good food.

Moon-gazing Inn, Moon-gazing Inn, you could gaze at the moon when you lifted your head, and you could take in the seas when you lowered it. It was none other than the tallest restaurant in Beijing. If you wanted to get to the top floor, you had to climb 880 flights of stairs.

Fan Yuan’s body was weak, so after climbing a few levels, he was panting out of breath. Yan Rui wanted to carry him up in his arms, but Fan Yuan refused to do so. This place had people coming and going, if someone saw them doing that, it would be cause for gossip. In the end, he settled for a compromise——carrying him on his back.

Fan Yuan lay on his shoulder feeling extremely elated, “Yan Rui, this is the first time someone has carried me on their back. Though it isn’t as comfortable as being carried in the arms, the feeling is not bad.”

Yan Rui asked, “Didn’t your father carry you on his back when you were a child?”

Fan Yuan was silent for a moment before he said, “When I was born, he divorced my mother and formed a family with someone else. From young till I grew up, I have only seen him a few times in total. I don’t even remember what he looks like.”

The colour of Yan Rui’s pupils turned deeper, “Do you hate him?”

Fan Yuan froze. Yan Rui’s tone sounded as if when he answered yes, he would kill his father immediately to let him vent his hatred.

He was amused by his own ideas. No matter how capable Yan Rui was, he couldn’t interfere with the people in the real world. How could he do that then? However, he still shook his head obediently and said, “I don’t remember how he looks like, so how could I hate him.”

Yan Rui was wordless, and Fan Yuan planted his face on his back and hummed about, “Now that we’re on the subject, I haven’t told you anything about my childhood. In fact, my mother was a very competitive woman. She raised me alone for a few years, and later on when her business ran into issues, she married an old man in order to pay the debt. My stepfather had two sons and a daughter to begin with, so they didn’t need me, the extra child. So I was sent away to live with a nanny.”

“Thereafter, I got into a car accident and injured both of my legs. During my two years in the hospital, my mother only came once in the beginning. That time, she told me she was pregnant, so after I reached 18 years old, she would no longer bear my living expenses and medical fees. At that time, I had just been informed by the doctor that I might never be able to stand or walk again.”

“Yan Rui, at that time, I really hated the world. Every day, I would always think, why was I so unlucky, how could I drag these people with me to hell……. Thankfully, thankfully I met Sister Yarou. She was a really really good person, no matter who it was, she would always be nice…….”

Fan Yuan had never told anyone about these matters of the past. Even Xiao Wu had to gain this information by going through his memory. But lying on Yan Rui’s back, these memories of the past that had been buried deep in his heart broke out one by one. He wanted Yan Rui to know what his life before was like, what the him from before was like.

Yan Rui listened to him quietly. Even when he heard him talk about the woman called Dan Yarou with a nostalgic tone, he simply frowned a little, but didn’t make any sound to interrupt.

For the past that he had never been involved in, he felt regretful but also grateful. It was precisely because of that woman’s existence that his baby was like this today, rather than falling into the abyss and being caught in a doom beyond redemption.

“……” The person called Bai Xi said, I was the one who took the initiative to request for my memory to be erased. I’m pretty curious, what exactly was the memory I wanted to erase?

Yan Rui said with a smile, “After you’re done playing around in this world, let’s go back to the source world together. I will go deal with some trivial matters, and you’ll go to the database to look for your lost memories.”

Fan Yuan’s eyes brightened. He didn’t care for memories or whatever, but the key point was that the source world was the place he had always been striving towards. Wasn’t it amazing that he would be able to go there!

Chattering and laughing, the two reached the top floor, and the sound of stringed and woodwind instruments became clearer and clearer. Fan Yuan exclaimed in surprise, “Moon-gazing Inn’s service is too good. They even provide musical accompaniments. Am I able to request for tunes as well?”

He didn’t have his system, so he didn’t know who was playing the zither, but Yan Rui knew. He found it amusing and laughed, “You can. Then you can ask Ning Xirong if she is willing.”

Fan Yuan’s mouth twitched. Damn it, climbed 880 staircases only to bump into each other, this is definitely fate ah!

While playing the zither coldly and quietly, Ning Xirong was paying attention to the movements by the stairs as well. The Third Prince had mentioned the matter of Yuan Ting in front of her, and from the looks of it, it seemed that he was quite distressed. On the flip side, she found it to be a good challenge.

The saying went that the heart of a hero cannot remain untouched by a beautiful woman. How could a rough man who guarded the frontier all year round resist a soft and fragrant piece of jade? Besides, with her unrivalled beauty, she had absolute confidence to make him surrender and willingly allow himself to be used by her.

Dun, dun, dun…… Hearing the sound of the footsteps, it was about time…….

She raised her eyes ever so slightly, and the zither in her hands suddenly went out of tune.

That was because she saw Ning Siqi on Yuan Ting’s back, currently smiling and directing a greeting at her.

——Even after thousands of calculations, she never expected this ending.

Sorry for the late chapter TT Things have been busy the past few days! Hope everyone had a good Christmas week and 2021 will be great for us all!