C59 – He Bullied Me
“Whew…” With its conclusion, they both simultaneously released a sigh of relief. One lay prone, while the other sat, completely engrossed in catching their breath, silence prevailing.
The entire process extended over two hours. Noble Heir of State Duke Heng’s voice grew husky, his tears were spent, and he sprawled on the ground, feigning stillness.
Tang Yue was in no better state. His attire clung to him, soaked with sweat. He appeared winded and drained, as though every breath required an effort. His hands quivered and felt as if they’d lost sensation, immobilized by exhaustion.
Tang Yue vigorously rubbed his numbed hands, enduring a sharp ache.
The hefty man’s physique and thick skin posed a challenge, demanding significant exertion to achieve the desired outcome. Two hours of rigorous physical labor proved even more taxing than conducting surgery.
After a brief interval, Tang Yue regained composure, unsteadily getting to his feet. He wiped his face and uttered, “Alright, rise. Sense it. Can you feel a lightness in your body?”
In this moment, beneath Noble Heir of State Duke Heng’s form, a puddle had formed. Deciphering whether it was comprised of tears or perspiration proved challenging. He stirred his fingers and turned to his side.
Tang Yue averted his gaze swiftly. This young one seemed to have forgotten that he was still unclothed.
He handed the scattered garments at the side to Noble Heir of State Duke Heng, although he doubted the noble would don them. He was to personally assist Noble Heir of State Duke Heng in dressing.
After wiping the perspiration from his body, Tang Yue struggled to help him don the clothes. Donning clothes was an easy task, especially given the variety of such ancient attire.
“Try moving your limbs a bit.” Tang Yue followed each of Tang Yue’s prompts with apparent compliance.
Tang Yue felt a sense of relief. It appeared this young man wasn’t entirely lost. Proper guidance might still be able to transform him into a regular individual.
The pair had lingered within the temple hall for too long. The maid of Noble Heir of State Duke Heng felt compelled to approach. Knocking on the door startled them both.
They hastily adjusted their attire, opening the door as though nothing had occurred. The temple hall was now infused with the pungent scent of perspiration. They truly dared not allow anyone to enter.
Tang Yue was the first to open the door, obstructing the two maids from looking inside. With a smile, he inquired, “Could you please direct me to the kitchen?”
Behind him, the Noble Heir of State Duke Heng halted his words upon hearing Tang Yue’s request. He then instructed one of the maids, “Yan, guide him and make sure he prepares a delectable meal. Otherwise, don’t let him off.”
“Understood.” The maid named Yan turned to Tang Yue, beckoning him to follow. After they had moved a considerable distance away, the Noble Heir of State Duke Heng leaned in towards another maid, his tone stern as he ordered, “Once Tang Yue is done with the cooking, instruct the guards to give him a thrashing!”
Hmph! To think he dared to treat this Noble Heir with such insolence. He needed to impart a lesson.
The maid hesitated and advised, “Noble Heir… Tang Young Master is your future brother-in-law. It won’t bode well if the State Duke learns of your actions.”
“Why not? He’s the one who bullied me, Noble Heir!” The Noble Heir of State Duke Heng retorted, pushing the maid away as he walked briskly ahead.
However, after a couple of steps, he noted a change. He felt considerably lighter, as if walking required less effort. Additionally, he realized he was quite thirsty.
Unbeknownst to him, the maid following him stared in disbelief at his neck. There was a visible mark on his collar, a dark green blemish resembling a kiss.
Her thoughts connected the dots: Noble Heir’s words, their disheveled clothing, and the sweat on their brows formed an unfortunate image. As a result, when State Duke Heng’s Noble Heir turned his head, he encountered a maid petrified in place.
“Why are you standing there? Hurry and assist this Noble Heir. I’m parched and famished. Fetch me some tea!” he commanded.
Trembling with fear, the maid hurried over, surreptitiously glancing at the mark on Noble Heir’s neck. She pondered, “Who would’ve thought the young master of Yueyang Marquis’s Mansion would be so audacious, daring to transgress with Noble Heir? And State Duke knows of it. He might even have murderous intent.”
The other maids serving at close quarters would likely meet the same fate.
Unconsciously, her grip on State Duke Heng’s Noble Heir tightened. In response, he let out a cry and nudged her to the ground. “What’s gotten into you today? You’re hurting me!”
Hastily, the maid knelt, pleading for mercy. Luckily, Noble Heir’s focus wasn’t on her. His mind revolved around plotting how to give Tang Yue a lesson. Mere physical punishment wouldn’t suffice.
Yet, he remained uncertain about the type of technique he had employed. Although the agony during the process had been excruciating and his body ached a bit now, his mental state was surprisingly clear.
Perhaps this too was part of his extraordinary medical expertise? Maybe I had misjudged him after all?
Nonetheless, regardless of that, he had to keep up the battle. He must make him experience pain as well!