Chapter 166

Chapter 166 - Do Not Disturb

Yin Xu exited the Emperor's Bedroom Hall, noticing the people who had been kneeling outside had left. He raised an eyebrow and thought to himself: These old men are always so nosy.

Turning the corner, he bumped into the First Prince approaching. Yin Xu was about to walk past without acknowledging him, but the First Prince extended his arms to block his path.

“What do you want?” Yin Xu asked impassively. He bore no deep grudges against Teng Yi, just a simple dislike.

The First Prince's gaze lingered on his face for a moment before he said nonchalantly, “Are you really set on helping Third Bro? What's so special about him? What do you see in him?”

Yin Xu listened to his bitter words with a puzzled expression and sneered, “What does it matter to you?”

The First Prince stepped closer, almost pressing against Yin Xu. He tried to caress Yin Xu's face, but Yin Xu swiftly dodged.

“What do you think you're doing?” Yin Xu asked in a threatening tone.

He wasn't oblivious to emotions, but he could easily understand the other party's obvious and repulsive intentions. If it weren't for the fact that they were in the palace...

“Actually, I've admired you for a long time. Why not consider joining me?”

Yin Xu looked at him like he was an idiot, glanced him up and down, and disdainfully said, “You? You aren't even fit to carry my shoes!”

“Don't think you're untouchable just because you have Teng Yu backing you. You'll regret this one day!”

Yin Xu laughed loudly, “I can't fathom your logic. Isn't my backer Huo Zhengquan?”

The First Prince strode forward, grabbed Yin Xu's wrist, and pinned him against the wall, “If it weren't for Marshal Huo, do you think I'd tolerate you? Do you really believe you're important?”

Yin Xu narrowed his eyes, twisted his hand, producing a “kacha” sound accompanied by the First Prince's suppressed groan, echoing through the corridor.

He punched the First Prince in the stomach, sending him flying four to five meters, then dusted off his hands. “Next time you touch me with those filthy hands, it won't end with just a broken arm!”

Teng Yi bit his lip, enduring the pain, sweat trickling down his forehead. Compared to the punch, the stomach ache was minor.

The imperial guards and eunuchs, a hundred steps away, saw the commotion and hurried over. Upon seeing their master's injuries, they surrounded the culprit.

Yin Xu smiled at Teng Yi and asked, “Do you want to explain this to the emperor? It's not far. I'm sure the old man would love to hear about how his eldest son fought over a man with his third son.”

“You...” The First Prince was in too much pain to speak. If not for his strong foundation and endurance, he would have cried out.

He gritted his teeth, glaring hatefully at Yin Xu's calm and composed face.

He didn't harbor deep feelings for Yin Xu, but every time he saw that face, an inexplicable urge welled up within him.

He might never get close to that person in his life, which is why he impulsively said and did those things.

Teng Yu took a deep breath. An unknown enemy was the most terrifying. If it were just the Yun Family, he could handle it easily.

The hidden enemy was likely the one behind the Sky Piercing Sect assassin from before. Though Teng Yu had his suspicions, he hadn't confirmed the enemy's identity.

Han Qing stood silently by, observing his master's slightly furrowed brows, thinking: It seems that with the Seventh Young Master gone, my master has reverted to his calm, composed, and emotionless state.

“Which family's daughter did the Emperor find for me?” Teng Yu suddenly changed the subject.

Han Qing was slightly taken aback before replying, “She's the eldest daughter of the political head, a direct disciple of the Li Family.”

“The Li Clan... related to Qin Wangfei's family?”

“Yes.”

Teng Yu pieced together the connections and instructed Han Qing, “Spread the word that this prince has agreed to the marriage, and observe their reactions.”

“Master, this...” Han Qing's eyes widened in shock, “If the Seventh Young Master gets wind of this... what then?”

That lord was not known for his leniency.

“Your Highness will personally explain, so you can relax. Remember to send extra people to monitor the Li family and their interactions with the Duke of Qin's estate.”

Han Qing didn't fully grasp the reasoning but didn't question it further.

After Han Qing left, Teng Yu immediately changed into formal attire and ordered his men to prepare a carriage to enter the palace.

Though his words were skillful, Teng Yu was unsure if Yin Xu would agree to his plan; he couldn't tolerate any deception.

They met the Emperor before entering the palace. Father and son exchanged silent glances, neither speaking.

After the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, the Emperor spoke in a deep voice, “In the past, I summoned you to the palace. If you didn't like it, you'd come or go as you pleased, but now you come on your own accord for a man. I can't even compare to that brat!”

Teng Yu didn't plan to explain, and the Emperor didn't intend to listen.

Teng Yu wasn't angry at being chased out. Instead, his steps were light, though his departing figure radiated an indescribable anger.

The Emperor had smashed an entire top-grade purple sand tea set, leaving the Bedroom Hall's servants trembling in fear.

As the Emperor's personal servants, they immediately noticed the changes in his behavior.

In the past, the Emperor wasn't kind to his servants, but he never lost his temper without reason, nor did he scold or kill the palace maids.

However, over the past half month, the Emperor's temper had worsened. He frequently punished people for minor issues, casting a pall over the entire palace.

Outsiders only knew the Emperor was unwell and needed time to recuperate. Even so, it was clear he still held authority over the Advice Letter.