Untouchable Lovers

Chapter 88: Chapter 85: You have the Heavenly Master’s Tao

Xiao Bie’s expression didn’t suggest that he was joking.

Chu Yu tried her best to remain calm and not to show a shocked expression. She cleared her throat twice and asked nonchalantly, “A bet’s a bet?”

Xiao Bie sighed softly and said, “Before April, I had a narrow escape with the Princess. The Princess burned my zither score. I’ve always seen the Princess as an enemy. Today, I heard a wake-up call and realized that the Princess was right to burn it, for I truly have lost my passion for music.” He originally learned the zither just to cultivate his temperament for his own enjoyment, but he didn’t know when he started caring more about others’ praise, striving for perfection in his technique, and frequently attending various gatherings…

Despite being lavishly praised by thousands, he could no longer find that initial joy and serene pleasure he felt when he played the first note.

Yet he was unaware of these changes; instead, it was this notorious woman who pointed them out with piercing accuracy.

The mocking bet that Shan Yin’s Princess had previously made with him, he was willing to accept the loss.

Chu Yu quickly calculated in her mind. Four months ago, she had not been here, which meant that the person who really had a past with Xiao Bie was Shan Yin’s Princess. She could guess about half of what had actually happened. If it were the original Princess, she would probably have happily accepted Xiao Bie who had so willingly presented himself to her. But for the present Chu Yu, it was like a hot potato, impossible to handle.

Liu Sang clung to Chu Yu’s arm, staring at Xiao Bie with a hint of wariness; this man who might become his… um, his brother…

Chu Yu fell silent for a while before slowly saying, “It was just a casual remark, don’t take it to heart; just pretend I never said it.” Having finished speaking, she ignored Xiao Bie and got on the carriage herself.

Xiao Bie unconsciously took a step forward, only to be blocked by Yue Jiefei’s Longsword from approaching the carriage.

Although Yue Jiefei did not understand why Chu Yu was giving up the ‘delicacy’ that had come to her lips, since Chu Yu had made it clear she didn’t want Xiao Bie near her, he followed the instructions and stopped him.

With that barrier, Xiao Bie also realized his own impropriety. He halted and watched helplessly as Yue Jiefei drove the carriage away.

Chu Yu peeked through the gap in the carriage door and saw Xiao Bie standing by the road, his tall figure appearing somewhat lonely. She glanced at him only once before withdrawing her gaze and soothingly stroked Liu Sang’s hair beside her.

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Liu Sang nuzzled Chu Yu’s hand and asked in confusion, “Princess, aren’t you allowing that man into the Mansion?”

Chu Yu was at a loss for words for a moment; she looked down at Liu Sang and smiled, “Do you really want him to enter the Princess Mansion?”

Liu Sang thought for a while, blinked, shook his head, and said honestly, “I don’t.” Those who had been with the Princess before were okay, but he found all who came after to be disagreeable.

“Then that settles it.” Chu Yu stroked Liu Sang’s hair again, feeling the comfort of his fine soft hair. Her gaze shifted to the back of the carriage, becoming distant and cool:

In her mind, there seemed to be a vague impression that in the dynasty that followed the Liu Song Dynasty, where Shan Yin’s Princess resided, the Emperor’s surname seemed to be Xiao.

And Xiao Bie also bore the surname Xiao.

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Returning from Wang Yizhi’s place, it was only midday when Chu Yu changed back into her formal attire and ordered the carriage to the palace.

From a distance in the palace, Chu Yu spotted a transcendent figure in purple and immediately had the leading eunuch change course to avoid Heavenly Master Tian Rujing and took a detour to find Liu Ziyue.

During the detour, passing by a deserted garden, Chu Yu couldn’t help but stop in her tracks, remembering that it was here, a few days ago, that she found out that Tian Rujing had superhuman strength, almost upsetting all her plans.

She once casually asked Rong Zhi, if she wished to kill Tian Rujing, how much force would be needed. Rong Zhi, after pondering for a moment, gave her the answer—that at least five thousand elite soldiers would be required, and even then, they must be brave and well-equipped for battle.

Hearing Rong Zhi say so, Chu Yu immediately dismissed the thought of overpowering Tian Rujing through force. She couldn’t afford to provoke such a powerful being, but couldn’t she still avoid him?

From now on, she would steer clear whenever she saw him, which was exactly what she was doing at the moment.

Upon arriving at the side hall of Yonghe Palace and stepping through the entrance, Liu Ziyue was inside, having a tantrum, throwing books and pens about. The surrounding eunuchs and palace maids didn’t dare to resist and could only stand firm, letting him smash things at will. When Chu Yu arrived, what she saw was their battered and bloody condition.

Chu Yu subconsciously touched the incense bag hidden in her sleeve before stepping forward and softly asked, “Who has upset His Majesty this time?”