Chapter 80
Chapter 80 - Let You Bully Me!
Lifting his gaze, he scanned the restaurant opposite. A figure on the second-floor window caught his attention, indifferent yet observing him.
Yin Xu's inner energy inexplicably waned. Was it the altercation inside or spotting Teng Yu awaiting him?
Suspended from the windowsill, he hung precariously, only his head visible as he met Teng Yu's gaze.
“Waiting for me?” Spurting alcohol, Yin Xu's query silenced Teng Yu, who averted his eyes.
“You waiting for me?” Yin Xu repeated.
“If not, I'm out.” His grip slackened, hinting at a departure.
Teng Yu swiftly grasped his hand, yanking him inside. Alcohol-scented, they melded close.
Alcohol dulled Yin Xu's senses. Unfond of mortal liquor, today he indulged excessively, feeling a slight dizziness.
Teng Yu, repelled by the alcohol and makeup fragrance, resisted an urge to shove him out.
“Go where? Seeking companionship?” Teng Yu's embrace tightened, his tone frosty.
“Heh, not interested. If you seek men, do it as you always do.” Yin Xu's hand wandered under his clothes.
Observing Yin Xu's flushed face, Teng Yu queried softly, “Do you truly desire men so fervently? … Anyone in particular?”
“Absurd! My tastes are discerning. You mortals are beneath my notice!”
“Even me?” Teng Yu lifted his chin, forcing eye contact.
“Barely.” Yin Xu brushed his hand aside, reclining against him.
Teng Yu's response left him unsure whether to be pleased or irked.
“Let's depart.” Disinterested in alcohol, Teng Yu carried the drowsy Yin Xu downstairs.
Mounting their horses, Teng Yu contemplated arranging a carriage or sedan for the weary Yin Xu.
Stirring slightly, Yin Xu met the horse's solemn gaze.
Without hesitation, Teng Yu hoisted him onto the horse, enveloping him in his cloak. “Hold tight, don't fall.”
Yin Xu spurred the horse forward abruptly, prompting Teng Yu's reprimand.
“Foolishness!” Teng Yu steadied him, grasping the reins firmly.
Yin Xu chuckled softly, relishing Teng Yu's warmth.
The Dream Pavilion and the Third Prince's abode lay distant. Teng Yu traversed streets, carrying Yin Xu, confronting the rumors linking him to the Huo Family's Seventh Young Master.
“Ah, Third Imperial Brother, how refined!” A cluster of onlookers hailed Teng Yu.
“Isn't the Second Royal Brother the same?” Teng Yu assessed the entourage, noting diplomats and affluent individuals, indicating Teng Ji's comfortable lifestyle.
It could be interpreted that the Second Prince's past military background, coupled with Emperor's favor, garnered support from previously neutral court officials.
Given the First Prince's allegiance to the Yun Family faction, without strong backing, their loyalty would likely go unnoticed, prompting them to wager their fortunes on the Second Prince.
Recent observations revealed the Emperor's shift in favor towards the Second Prince, dispelling rumors of his audacity and unscrupulousness.
“Haha, we're planning a venture outside the city to Sanlitun. Care to join us, brothers?”
“Not interested,” Teng Yu rebuffed icily.
The Second Prince glanced at him, noting his masculine hairstyle.
He smiled ambiguously. “Understood. I won't disturb you, Third Brother.”
“Wait, I've heard much about the Third Prince but never had the pleasure of meeting. Would you honor us with your company?”
The speaker, an emissary from a Western Regions country, wore a voluminous robe and mask.
Teng Yu raised an eyebrow, assessing the man once more. “Regrettably, I have pressing matters to attend to. Please forgive my absence.”
“Is this how Dazhuang treats its guests?” The envoy's dissatisfaction was evident.
Teng Yu's smile didn't reach his eyes. “Is my company insufficient? Even your leader would receive similar treatment. Don't overestimate your importance!”
“You…”
“Third Royal Brother, be reasonable!” Second Prince scolded, reminding him of their father's instructions regarding diplomatic kindness.
“So, according to Second Royal Brother, if I refuse this ambiguous envoy, it sparks conflict? Let them try. ” Teng Yu's arrogance irked the envoy.
Young officials witnessing the Third Prince's behavior for the first time pondered its implications, realizing the inappropriateness of his words before an envoy.
Had he been too indulged?
Educating the Third Prince wasn't their jurisdiction; they could only placate the offended envoy.
Impatient with the scene, Yin Xu emerged, his cloak fluttering in the cold breeze.
“Why linger?” His impatient voice cut through, prompting Teng Yu's departure with a farewell wish for their enjoyment.
As they intertwined, Yin Xu glanced at them before closing his eyes, imbuing the Second Prince and the envoy with threads of Demonic Qi.
Since the New Year's Eve revelry, Yin Xu had spent days researching Demonic Qi manipulation, exploiting it to amplify human desires.
Upon reaching the Third Prince Mansion, Teng Yu assisted them into the bathing pool, then undressed them slowly.
Unexpectedly, Yin Xu choked on the hot water, relieved only by the flowing pool water.
He clad himself in multiple layers, discarding them as he submerged, playfully swimming towards Teng Yu.
“Humph! Stop teasing!” Yin Xu chided, releasing him after a brief struggle.
Moved by compassion, he removed Teng Yu's headgear, only to be embraced tightly and pulled into the water, their bodies entwined.
Yin Xu exerted all his strength underwater, but the hold was unyielding, leaving him unable to break free.
As his breath waned and his ears reddened, Teng Yu abruptly pressed their lips together, exchanging air.
Refreshed by the oxygen, Yin Xu clung to Teng Yu, inhaling deeply.
Emerging from the water gasping for air, they shared laughter, foreheads pressed together.
Amidst heavy panting, they shared a moment of mirth.
Teng Yu playfully nipped Yin Xu's ear, teasingly questioning his plans for the brothel.
Yin Xu dismissed the idea, citing the potential risks, especially given his status.
Teng Yu suggested an alternative, the Northern Courtyard, for training without such hazards.
Yin Xu entertained the idea, teasing about potential consequences.
Teng Yu expressed genuine concern over the prospect of Yin Xu being harmed.
Yin Xu brushed off the concern, confident in his abilities.
Yin Xu leaned close, whispering, “Teng Yu, what's your greatest desire?”
Teng Yu, puzzled, tightened his embrace, curious about the inquiry.
Yin Xu playfully queried, “Is it riches or romance?”
Teng Yu pondered, considering both possibilities.
Yin Xu poured water over him, jesting about his greed.
Teng Yu defended his confidence, determined to pursue both aspirations.
Yin Xu presented a dilemma, implying a choice must be made between family and ambition.
Anticipation hung in the air as Yin Xu awaited Teng Yu's response.