Chapter 0136: The Mad Consort Hua, Both Master and Disciple Suffer Broken Waists
This was Xie Chengze’s first time seeing Wuhen’s eyes.
They resembled the most exquisitely carved black jade fashioned into sharp, cold blades, sheathed in a transparent yet severe luster. Their darkness was as profound as the endless undersea cliffs, with long, delicate eyelashes falling gently like butterfly wings, lending these icy blades a subtle tenderness that made their true emotions elusive.
In Xie Chengze’s memory, though Wuhen was taciturn, he was meticulous and gentle. He would neatly arrange peeled lychees, tirelessly search for wild rabbits in famine-stricken lands to satisfy his cravings, and carry him on his slender yet sturdy shoulders through dark nights, steady and comfortable as lying on a bed.
Thus, he had always assumed Wuhen’s eyes must be gentle and reserved, like a string of warm, smooth Hetian jade beads that grew clearer and more lustrous with handling, becoming utterly captivating.
But he had forgotten: as the sharpest blade beside the Second Prince, how could the eyes that watched a bloodied edge slice through enemies’ necks be those of merciful jade?
Beneath the black eye veil lay the biting wind and frost of early spring, dangerously sharp enough to draw blood with a glance.
Yet, paradoxically, the owner of such eyes moved with extreme tenderness and care as his fingertips adjusted the slightly slipped veil, as if afraid to scratch the eyes beneath. Gently, he hooked out strands of hair trapped under the veil at the other’s temple, tucking them behind ears reddened by the cold.
“Your Highness, this should feel better now.”
A cool, detached voice spoke as Wuhen slowly lowered his gaze, his thick, long lashes trembling with a few light snowflakes, accentuating his flawless, jade-like complexion.
Yet it was also incredibly gentle.
“And what about you?” Xie Chengze touched the unfolded black veil, his vision now vaguely able to discern the outside world. “Aren’t your eyes uncomfortable?”
“No.”
There was a time when they were—whether it was the blindingly pale snowfield after escaping the Prostitute House or being forced to practice swordplay naked on snowy plains in harsh winters, Wuhen’s eyes would sting unbearably. His master had told him to close them, but Wuhen refused.
Unlike Wuji, who wished to serve His Highness with legs once cared for by him, Wuhen tormented himself, resentful for having threatened a pair of innocent, gentle eyes. He punished his own vision in near-masochistic fashion, seeking atonement for past wrongs.
He continued this self-punishment until the day Consort Hua suddenly returned to Liaozhou, telling him and Wuji that His Highness had disappeared.
“He’s not my son! He absolutely isn’t my son! But that body is clearly Ze’er’s… Someone must have taken over the nest, driving my Ze’er’s soul away!”
“How could I not recognize my own son? I gave birth to him, I watched him grow up! But no one believes me, no one believes me!”
The once dignified and elegant Consort Hua had become deranged, her fingers clutching their shoulders desperately, her voice shrill and pleading, “Wuhen, Wuji! You were saved by Ze’er! Train hard in martial arts, protect his body! He’s so clever, he will return, he will return!”
After that, he replaced self-punishment with the black veil. He feared missing His Highness’s return, feared failing to recognize His Highness’s face again.
Fortunately, Your Highness has truly returned.
“I practiced martial arts in Liaozhou during my childhood and have long grown accustomed to watching snow,” Wuhen gazed into the distance at the frozen river below. “Most northerners aren’t susceptible to snow blindness. Your Highness spent too little time in Liaozhou, so it’s normal that you haven’t adapted.”
Xie Chengze nodded thoughtfully. “Training in martial arts here must have been very difficult.”
In this freezing weather, merely standing here made him question his life choices, let alone practicing martial arts in such conditions.
Wuhen remained silent.
Was it difficult? Of course it was.
But nothing could compare to the agony of watching a wild spirit usurp His Highness’s body, freely using it while being powerless to stop it.
…
After inspecting the Hun River ice field and confirming it could support the effects he desired, Xie Chengze returned to the nearby county magistrate’s office.
With heavy snow blocking mountain roads and travel being difficult, he had brought Zhu Xiaobiao, Sheng Yiren, and others to temporarily reside at the mountain’s base, while also waiting for the imminent arrival of Old Gu.
However, Old Gu’s arrival coincided with Liaozhou’s heavy snow season, so Xie Chengze sent Wuji to fetch him, lest the old man encounter any mishaps on the journey.
Thinking of this, Xie Chengze felt somewhat guilty. It seemed that ever since he left Yi Province, Wuji’s legs had never stopped moving—either on the way to somewhere or already traveling somewhere.
It appeared he would need to properly reward Wuji later. He didn’t want to be the kind of heartless boss who exploited workers without paying overtime.
Just as he was thinking this, a vigorous, foul-mouthed roar suddenly came from outside. “Enough, enough! We’re almost at the door, put me down immediately! My back is about to break! Why can’t you understand human language, you brat?”
Then Wuji’s calm voice responded, “His Highness instructed me to deliver you safely to his presence. The snowy path is slippery, and your legs aren’t as nimble. If you were to fall during these last few steps, His Highness would blame me.”
A gentle voice then weakly interjected, “Um… brother, could you put me down first?”
The old man’s cursing resumed: “No! If we can’t share hardships today, how can we share joys tomorrow! Do you still want to become my disciple or not?!”
“Wah…”
The door was kicked open as Wuji swaggered through the main entrance for the first time. “Your Highness! I’ve brought them back!”
Xie Chengze looked up to see Wuji holding one person in each hand—a gray-haired old man on his left and a slender young man on his right—one raging like thunder, the other looking utterly pitiful.
“Your Highness…” The moment Su Qinghe saw Xie Chengze, his eyes reddened instantly. “Qinghe’s back is about to break…”
As Wuji released his grip, both men tumbled to the ground. Old Gu rubbed his back while cursing, “You brat who doesn’t respect elders! Second Prince, is this how you discipline your subordinates?!”
“Ahem.” Xie Chengze coughed lightly and quickly rose to approach them, pretending to scold sternly, “Wuji, be gentler next time. Old Gu is advanced in years—how could he withstand such rough treatment?”
“Yes, this subordinate was at fault.” Wuji bowed respectfully. “It’s just that this subordinate observed how robust Old Gu remains despite his age, certain he could handle such treatment, hence my actions.”
“Ahem, ahem.” Old Gu immediately straightened his back. I am indeed hale and hearty for my age, though naturally it would be better to avoid such turmoil if possible.”
Xie Chengze couldn’t help but laugh, then gazed at Su Qinghe with sparkling eyes, overjoyed. “How come you’re here? I thought this bitter cold place might not suit you, so I wrote asking Elder Gu to bring some pastries you made. I never expected you to come personally.”
Su Qinghe glanced at Elder Gu in surprise.
Hadn’t he been told that His Highness summoned him?
Elder Gu straightened his official robe, feigning nonchalance. “Oh, really? Must have been my old eyes playing tricks on me.”
“Stale pastries can’t compare to fresh ones,” said Su Qinghe, his heart aching at the sight of Xie Chengze’s bloodshot eyes and gaunt frame, poorly concealed beneath his fur cloak. “Your Highness has endured much hardship. This subject will go prepare some at once.”
“No need to rush.” Xie Chengze shook his head, feeling the weight on his shoulders lighten considerably with their arrival. “You’ve had a long journey. Rest first—we can discuss matters this afternoon.”
“Very well. We’ve traveled all day, and I haven’t had a drop of water,” Elder Gu interjected, pulling the still-protesting Su Qinghe toward the door. “We shall await Your Highness’s summons.”