Chapter 42

C42 – I Guess I’m a Little More Handsome

Following dinner, Teng Yu requested Yin Xu to provide him with a tour. He aimed to grasp a deeper understanding of this young man and perhaps glean insights from his upbringing.

However, upon exploration, he found himself disappointed. The estate, situated on the outskirts of An County, appeared to be an ordinary manor. Sparse residents populated the vicinity, predominantly fields belonging to the Huo Family Villa.

En route, they encountered several tenants, who, upon spotting Yin Xu, greeted him courteously.

Previously, Huo Tian harbored no ill intentions, but he lacked social grace. He felt deeply inferior among the Huo Family’s elite yet held a sense of superiority over common folk, opting not to engage with them.

Upon Yin Xu’s inhabitation of Huo Tian’s body, he promptly dismissed the cook on the first day. His domineering demeanor took root within him, rendering him unable to feign kindness.

Standing amidst the rural path, he seemed out of place. It dawned upon some that the young master residing at Huo Family Manor likely held significant background.

Guiding Teng Yu to a frequented mountain slope, Yin Xu casually seated himself upon a clean rock. Gesturing to the western mountain, he recounted a past incident involving catching a rabbit during a visit by the First Prince. He speculated on Teng Yu’s newfound favor with the housekeeper, contrasting it to the First Prince’s visit.

Recollecting the scene, Teng Yu felt an inexplicable urge to chuckle.

Yin Xu turned toward him, nodding earnestly. “Indeed, she fares much better in comparison to the First Prince. She’s only marginally inferior to me.”

“Haha... You certainly possess confidence!” Teng Yu chuckled, prompting Yin Xu to reflexively grasp his wrist.

Their eyes met, and an awkward tension enveloped them.

Yin Xu’s brow furrowed, hinting at suppressed fury. In the past, anyone daring to touch his head would face dire consequences, but now, restrained by his current strength, he reluctantly released Teng Yu’s hand.

Upon their arrival in the capital, they became targets of flattery and attentions from various princely factions. All sought alliances with the Liu Family, but due to the ancestral teachings, the imperial clan’s offspring were forbidden from marrying into the Huo Family.

My three uncles were raised in military encampments. Though versed in both military and civilian matters, they lacked the cunning of the capital’s influential families, let alone the princes.

Bereft of their father’s guidance, my uncles swiftly befriended the capital’s aristocratic youths. They spent their days engaging in frivolous pursuits, resembling mere dandies.

Upon learning of this, my grandfather was greatly troubled. Eventually, he sought permission from the late emperor for his sons to enlist in the army.

“The late emperor readily consented. Once my three uncles departed, only my grandmother and mother remained in the capital...”

Yin Xu abandoned his earlier nonchalant demeanor, his countenance growing somber. He understood that what followed held the pivotal moment in altering the fate of the Liu Family.

......

Teng Yu inquired, “Would you like to listen to a story?”

Yin Xu responded, “At your age, still indulging in stories? Isn’t it a bit juvenile?”

Teng Yu countered, “Don’t you wish to hear your husband’s tale?”

Yin Xu relented, stating, “Well, I suppose I’ll endure it then.”

“Long ago, there was a prince. He possessed striking looks, an unbridled spirit, remarkable wit, and exceptional talent...”

Yin Xu interjected, “Please, get to the point.”

Teng Yu pleaded, “Oh, my dear, grant me your patience.”Follow current novels at novelhall.com)