Chapter 72

Chapter 72 - Which Act of Yours Is This

“If Your Highness doesn't like him, then why do you share a bed with him every night?”

“He climbed in on his own,” said His Highness The Prince, somewhat smugly.

“If Your Highness doesn't want to share the bed with him, why not kick him out?”

“And why would trying to get rid of him not work?” His Highness The Prince thought to himself, This guy is so thick-skinned.

“If Your Highness genuinely wishes to stop me, there will surely be a way.”

“I've found an ally with much effort. What if I drive them away?” His Highness The Prince considered himself to be quite accommodating.

“Your Highness isn't the only ally. If others also wish to share the bed with him, would Your Highness allow it?”

“...” “In your dreams!” Teng Yu immediately grasped Han Sen's implication. He frowned, considering, “Of course, not just anyone can access this hall's bed. Huo Tian's identity is unique, he's young, and his appearance is pleasant. I think he barely qualifies.”

“If Prince Xian were to ally with Your Highness, would you also accept his daughter?”

“How is that the same? Huo Tian, he...” Teng Yu cut himself off, recognizing that Huo Tian was special, incomparable to anyone else.

Could anyone else possess his mysterious ability? Could anyone else provide the Flame Yang Spell for free?

Han Sen sighed, “Your Highness, consider this: you've already crossed the line with Seventh Young Master. If you don't have romantic intentions, it's best to maintain some distance.”

Noticing Teng Yu's hesitation, Han Sen emphasized, “You wouldn't want Seventh Young Master to misunderstand, would you? He seemed genuinely concerned about your marriage earlier, meaning he is sincere. If you don't reciprocate his feelings, don't you think it would cause harm?”

“Is he sincere?” Teng Yu caught onto this crucial point in one phrase.

“Probably... yes,” Han Sen answered hesitantly.

Hearing this uncertainty, Teng Yu's previous joy dissipated. He waved a hand and said, “Let's drop the topic. The most urgent matter now is to thwart that woman's plan. She will surely bring this up at tonight's palace banquet.”

“Your Highness, why don't we form an alliance with the Second Prince first?”

“Him? No need. I don't want to defeat Teng Yi only to have to deal with him. Since he's an adversary, not an ally, it's best to deal with them both together.”

If the First and Second Princes heard this, they'd undoubtedly label it as “boastful nonsense!”

After leaving the study, Yin Xu went directly to the Songtao Pavilion. His entire demeanor was shrouded in gloom, causing even the servants to avoid him.

There was a weight in his chest that he couldn't suppress, making him feel utterly uncomfortable.

In Yin Xu's two lifetimes of experience, nothing had ever made him particularly furious. Even when his soul had been shattered by lightning during the heavenly tribulation, he felt more regret than anger.

Kicking open the door, Yin Xu sat down on a chair, grabbed the teapot from the table, and poured himself a cup of tea. The cold tea flowed through his chest and into his stomach, partially quelling his anger.

“Your words are wise. I now have a clear course of action,” Yin Xu declared as the dark clouds dissipated from his face, departing swiftly like a passing breeze, leaving the room's occupants bewildered.

“Steward, the Young Master claims to have paid the rent. Our funds are in your care, aren't they?” Wei Zi'an pointed out, seeking clarification.

The butler nodded hesitantly, admitting, “That seems to be the case... There may be details we're unaware of.”

Wei Zi'an was blunt in his response, “Young Master Huo is dedicated to serving His Highness, to the extent that requesting Third Prince to provide accommodation wouldn't be an issue.”

“Nonsense!” Wu Sheng retorted sharply. “My young master's loyalty to the Third Prince is unquestionable! He would never resort to selling himself!” Wu Sheng's demeanor towards Wei Zi'an turned unfriendly. Originally, there was only one attendant by the young master's side, and now with another, Wu Sheng feared his position might be in jeopardy.

Upon returning to the study, Yin Xu continued discussing with Han Qing about the Dark Guard's training schedule after the new year. He intended to impart the first three levels of the Flame Yang Spell, believing it would significantly enhance the Dark Guard's capabilities, regardless of how much they could master it.

Yin Xu sat opposite Teng Yu, openly listening to their confidential discussions.

Teng Yu couldn't help but find Yin Xu's demeanor a bit awkward at first glance. After Han Sen's recent inquiry, his emotions had become tangled, making for a complex mood.

“What's the matter?”

Yin Xu cast a quick glance at Han Qing's impassive visage, remarking, “Don't fret, why don't you two converse for a while?”

Teng Yu was itching to point out that this study wasn't a place for casual ingress and egress.

Yet Yin Xu evidently didn't regard their words as confidential, proposing, “The Flame Yang Spell isn't suitable for everyone.”

“What are your thoughts?” Teng Yu found his attention diverted towards her.

“I can assist you.” Yin Xu grinned, calculating, “However, we need to establish terms first.”

“Terms?”

Yin Xu unfurled a sheet of parchment and placed it before him.

Unsure of the suspense he was building, Teng Yu took up the brush and dipped it in ink, anticipating his next words.

“Draft a transfer agreement. You agree to transfer ownership of the Third Prince Mansion to me!”

Teng Yu's hand halted in midair, a droplet of thick ink falling onto the pristine paper, staining it with blotches of black.

Thinking Teng Yu was hesitant, Yin Xu reminded him, “Remember, I'm the one who bestowed upon you the Flame Yang Spell. Though I kindly offered to pay rent, you know well enough that the last two tiers of the incantation still reside in my mind are worth more than ten grand residences.”

“No...” What are you doing? If you need a house, I can help you find one.”

“No, I want this one.”

“Why?”

Yin Xu smirked, “When you tie the knot, if your bride disagrees with me, I'll have her evicted!”

Teng Yu and Han Qing were left speechless.