Chapter 61: Is the Qi Family Was Wronged?

Translator: Storm in a Teacup

Knowing the reason why the Qi family memebers were beheaded, Ke Ruan was silent.

Back then, the Qi family was one of the best in the country. Compared with the family of the prime minister, they were even better. They were all military ministers like General Lin, but there was one person who was exception — Qi Cheng’s father. He was an official minister and often at odds with the prime minister of Red Flame Kingdom.

Afterwards, without reasons, the prime minister said that the Qi family colluded with foreign countries. The crimes of collusion and treason, no matter when, were deadly sins which would be executed by shooting. Not only did they have witnesses, they also had proofs. Therefore, the ending of the Qis was palpable.

Lin Qingye didn’t tell the story using the words like ‘unjust deaths’. However, Ke Ruan felt Lin Qingye’s trust in the Qis among his words.

After finishing, Lin Qingye only let out a sigh.

Remaining in silence for a long time, Ke Ruan asked, “General Lin, do you think the Qi family is wronged?”

Lin Qingye nodded, “I was young at that time, and many things were out of my control. In addition, the evidence provided by the prime minister confirmed that the Qi family colluded with foreign countries. When I conquered the barbarious tribes, I also investigated this case, but I found nothing, not even a trace. But it’s just because of this that I doubted it.”

Therefore, there was a reason why Qi Cheng was so cruel in the book.

“Why does General Lin trust the Qis so much?”

Lin Qingye said, “I grew up with Qi Cheng, and he was only younger than me for a month. My father died when I was little, so I often visited the Qis. The Qis was sort of my second home. I know them for years, surely I could work them out. They were in the army for generations, and they even achieved notable merits. Although Uncle Qi was not a general, he loyally served the emperor and didn’t seek personal prosperity. How would a loyal minister betray his country?”

“Regarding that prime minister, General Lin… Did you find something?”

This prime minister was mentioned many times in the story. Ke Ruan thought it meant that this matter was caused by the prime minister. For some reason, maybe it was because of Lin Qingye, Ke Ruan felt there was something wrong with the prime minister.

It was not that he didn’t believe himself, he also wanted to find out the truth. But even Lin Qingye couldn’t find it out, how would he, a dabbler, make it?

Lin Qingye sighed. This was the tenth time he had sighed in half an hour.

“I found nothing. I didn’t find anything useful at all. Moreover, it has been so many years that it’s even harder to solve the case.”

Ke Ruan agreed.

“But now?” No. Ke Ruan thought of an issue of crucial importance: Qi Cheng hated the royals. Then… he… he… he was the Crown Prince of Red Flame Country. He would be dead for sure.

“General Lin, since the matter on this Qiaoshan Mountain is clear. Let’s go back now.”

No one could understand his current mood. He was about to curse. Why did he come here? He couldn’t help Lin Qingye, and nearly lost his own life.

Everything was finally seen clearly.

It was not a coincidence that little Han had suddenly disappeared. It was not a coincidence that the guard who had suddenly appeared enticed him to the hills. Everything was premeditated. This was so scary. Every space of this mountain was someone else’s territory. He even ate and drank here shamelessly like an emperor. Was he going to be a daredevil?

Chapter 62 I Don’t Deserve It

Translator: Storm in a Teacup

“Mr. Ke, you can’t delay the treatment. We’ll set off when you get better in a few days. Don’t worry, Qi Cheng won’t hurt you now,” Lin Qingye knew well that Qi Sheng hated Ke Ruan.

“But…”

Lin Qingye explained, “Mr. Ke, we were captured by Qi Cheng. I grew up with him. If anything happens to you here, I won’t be able to live. Don’t worry, Qi Cheng won’t hurt you.”

Last night they were suddenly released and told that Ke Ruan was in the mountain. They hurried to search and rescue him. It was just a moment ago that he finally knew why Qi Sheng suddenly changed his mind. No matter what, he owed Qi Cheng a favor. He also made a promise to Qi Cheng, who could come to ask him to fulfil his promise any time.

If it weren’t for the circumstances, Ke Ruan would burst into laughter.

It turned out that General Lin saved him.

At night, the stars were sparse.

Si Yuhan stood in front of Ke Ruan’s bed with deep eyes.

“You will regret it. The royal family is the most ruthless.”

Si Yuhan didn’t say anything. A subtle look flashed across his eyes, making him look more inscrutable. Anyone would be ruthless but him.

The person behind him sighed. What was he to persuade others? Didn’t he make the same choice and attempt the impossible? He wouldn’t regret even if he might be smashed to pieces.

Letting off Ke Ruan would be the most painful decision in his life. He didn’t regret it. It had nothing to do with the eight-year-old child before him. It was because of the light in his heart.

He wouldn’t disappoint him, absolutely not.

After suffering for so many days, Ke Ruan finally could sleep at ease, and he felt comfortable all over. He stretched lazily, thinking he was dreaming at the sight of the bright room.

The beard…

Damn it!

Although Qi Cheng hated him, he was really good to Lin Qingye. He could spare Ke Ruan’s life on Lin Qingye’s account.

Besides, Qi Cheng will be a competent assistant of the male lead, in view of which Ke Ruan thought he had to find a way to do him a justice.

Anyway, he had to increase his popularity, so he could help Qi Cheng at the same time. He had no goal in this world but to survive.

There was a knock on the door. “Mr. Ke, are you awake?”

Lin Qingye had an impeccable timing. Ke Ruan threw back the covers and said, “General Lin, come on in.”

Lin Qingye walked in with a basin of water, followed by Si Yuhan. Ke Ruan was surprised.

Lin Qingye looked up at Ke Ruan, and he looked away involuntarily. Ke Ruan had slept all night, and his undercloth was wide open, revealing a fair chest which looked like a fine white jade.

Si Yuhan narrowed his eyes with a hint of anger at the sight of Ke Ruan’s chest, his fingers tightening.

Ke Ruan did not notice at all the unusual look on their faces. As Ke Ruan’s foot was injured,  Lin Qingye put the things down next to his foot.

Just as he was about to squat down and twist the towel, Ke Ruan was shocked. He quickly grabbed Lin Qingye’s wrist. Was the general going to serve him like a maid? Was it a joke?

“Don’t, General Lin, I’ll do it myself. My foot is injured, but my hands are fine.” Ke Ruan hastily bent and snatched the towel.

Lin Qingye was in no position to insist, and he had to let Ke Ruan do it by himself.

Si Yuhan stared at Ke Ruan with his dark eyes.

Chapter 63: Tenderness

Translator: Storm in a Teacup

With these two pairs of eyes staring at him, Ke Ruan felt sick. He casually wiped his face and threw the towel in.

“Are you finished?”

Ke Ruan nodded.

“Then I will pour the water.”

Lin Qingye stood up and strode out.

He raised his head and smiled at Si Yuhan. He kept the matter in his mind anytime.

Si Yuhan walked to him and said coldly, “Put on your clothes properly.”

Ke Ruan looked down and saw that the his white undergarment half peeked out. It should be nothing, right? Cuz there were only men, but…

When he saw the pair of dark eyes of him, he wrapped his clothes up.

Seeing Ke Ruan wear his clothes properly, the gloom over Si Yuhan’s face slowly faded away.

Before Ke Ruan could say anything to him, there came a knock at the door.

“General Lin, you came back so soon?” Ke Ruan felt that this ancient manner was quite troublesome sometimes. Whoever went out needed to apply and report when he came back.

No one in the room responded. Bang! The door opened.

Ke Ruan thought it was Lin Qingye, but it’s not.

A pretty face showed up with fury and unwillingness.

While seeing her, Ke Ruan touched his nose awkwardly.

He heard that she was called Aran that night.

Aran put the porridge on the table strongly. Everyone could see her anger.

Ke Ruan smiled and said, “Thank you, Young Lady.”

Aran snorted, “You would have nothing to eat if it wasn’t for the kindness and generosity of our chief. Let me tell you, you’d better not plot against our chief. Our chief is so nice, and none of the officials are good.”

Aran said a bunch of things in a daze. Before Ke Ruan could explain, she left in anger with heavy footsteps.

Ke Ruan felt helpless. That night, he only asked her to stop talking, while the male lead had knocked her out twice, and she wasn’t that mad at him. Why did she become so angry when they met?

“Drink while it’s hot.” Si Yuhan reminded when he saw that Ke Ruan had not moved for a long time.

Ke Ruan subconsciously looked at Si Yuhan. His eyes were shining brightly.

Ever since the day he came out, the male lead’s attitude towards him was getting better. He knew that everything he did was meaningful.

“Have you eaten?” Ke Ruan held his tender hands.

Si Yuhan’s hands moved slightly. There was a flash of light in his drak eyes.

“Look at me. You came to see me so early. How could you have eaten? Let’s have a meal together, shall we?” Didn’t wait for him to say anything, Ke Ruan directly held one of his wrists and let him sit by his side.

He picked up the congee in front of him and frowned helplessly. It was thin again.

Ke Ruan’s eyes were full of confusion. Si Yuhan saw it and said, “You are injured.”

Ke Ruan was stunned. His hands were trembling.

He really cared about him.

“I know.” Ke Ruan suppressed the corner of his mouth.

Si Yuhan’s eyes were originally dark, but now there was a little tenderness.

Ke Ruan blew the congee and felt it was about time to feed Si Yuhan.

The warm congee fell on his lips. He looked at Ke Ruan and saw his smiling eyes.

That was a pair of breathtakingly pretty eyes.

Chapter 64:Funny Revenge

Translator: Storm in a Teacup

“Brother Qingye.”

After Lin Qingye splashed the water, he turned around and saw Qi Cheng. He frowned and subconsciously looked at Ke Ruan’s room.

There was a hint of coldness in Qi Cheng’s eyes, “Don’t worry, brother Qingye. I didn’t hurt him, and I’m not going to.”

Lin Qingye didn’t lower his guard just because what Qi Cheng said.

Qi Cheng didn’t mind. He clapped his hands, then several people came forward with trays of dishes in their hands, “It’s getting late. Let’s have breakfast together, okay?”

Lin Qingye was about to refuse.

Qi Cheng then said,”You are not going to reject me, are you?”

Before Lin Qingye could answer, Qi Cheng waved his hands to let them bring the food in.

“What are you doing?” Lin Qingye grabbed his wrist with fury.

Ke Ruan couldn’t have anything heavy and fishy. What was he trying to do?

Staring at Lin Qingye’s white hands, Qi Cheng tried to suppress his anger and impulse. He forced himself to look away and said,” It was just breakfast. What are you worrying about?”

“Don’t tell me that there’s only one place to dine in Mountain Qiao.”

“But I want to eat here,” Qi Cheng clenched his teeth, shook his hands off and just walked in.

Lin Qingye quickly followed.

Ke Ruan stared at the meat and fish all over his table, then saw Qi Cheng and Lin Qingye came in. He couldn’t help but twitch his mouth.

He knew immediately that Qi Cheng was taking revenge on him.

“Young Master,” said Qi Cheng with clenched teeth, which sent a chill down Ke Ruan’s spine.

“I want to have breakfast here. I hope you don’t mind. ”

Ke Ruan didn’t know what to say.

Did he have any right to mind?

This was his place. He was Qi Cheng’s enemy. He could kill him easily if he wanted. Did he dare to mind?

Ke Ruan shook his head hard, “Don’t mind. I don’t mind. Do as you wish.”

“Thank you very much, your highness.” Qi Cheng sneered.

Lin Qingye was trying to say something when he saw Ke Ruan shake his head towards him, so he stopped, which made Qi Cheng more furious. He suddenly took out the chair and sat opposite Ke Ruan.

Ke Ruan felt that his gaze was about to kill him.

He shrank his neck.

Qing Cheng was staring at Ke Ruan, “Brother Qingye, sit down, please, before the dishes went cold. It won’t be as delicious.”

“Right, General Lin. Please eat.” Ke Ruan saw Lin Qingye didn’t move, so he hurriedly said.

Lin Qingye looked at Ke Ruan and sat next to him. Qi Cheng tightened his fingers grabbing the chopsticks with a bitter smile on his face.

“This stewed pork with brown sauce tastes really nice. Brother Qingye, have some of this.”

Ke Ruan was speechless.

“Brother Qingye, this, have a bite of this. It’s fat but not greasy at all.”

Ke Ruan just looked at them.

He swallowed his saliva and just had a bowl of porridge with no salt and oil in it at all, which tasted just like water. With so many delicious dishes in front of him which he couldn’t have, he just wanted to kill himself so he could stop having any feelings.

It seemed that Qi Cheng finally noticed Ke Ruan’s suffering, so he said, “I’m so sorry. My bad. I just forgot that our prince was badly injured and he couldn’t have all those dishes.”

Ke Ruan shook his head silently, “That’s okay. I don’t want to have them after all. ”

He was lying. Did anyone get his real feelings?

Qi Yan nodded, “Thank God. I was being worried just now. Now I’m finally relieved.”

Ke Ruan didn’t say a word.

Oh please. If you were worried about me, I would eat my hat!

Chapter 65 I Despise Myself Now

Translator: Storm in a Teacup

Si Yuhan took a glance at Qi Cheng with his dark eyes. No one noticed that Yin Sheng’s mocking eyes froze, and he involuntarily tightened his grip on the chopsticks.

“Brother Qingye, are you through with the food?” Qi Cheng looked at Lin Qingye.

Ke Ruan looked at Qi Cheng. What was the matter with him? Didn’t he notice that General Lin didn’t touch at all the food that he put in his bowl?

Although Lin Qingye didn’t answer him, he furrowed his good-looking brows.

Qi Cheng put down the chopsticks impatiently. “Someone, take the dishes out.”

Ke Ruan helplessy watched them take the food out again.

Without saying a word, Qi Cheng got to his feet and strode out.

Ke Ruan was stunned by such a dramatic incident.

“General Lin, is there something wrong with Qi Cheng?” After thinking for a while, Ke Ruan asked, “Why don’t you go and see him?”

Lin Qingye pursed his lips and looked at Ke Ruan. “Mr. Ke, he treats you like that, and you…”

Ke Ruan waved his hand. “It’s nothing. Qi Cheng provides me bed and board. Besides, he didn’t do anything to me.”

Qi Cheng was around the same age as Lin Qingye, and he was even a little younger. They were seventeen or eighteen, and Ke Ruan was turning thirty, old enough to be their uncle. He couldn’t make a fuss about such a trifle.

Lin Qingye fell silent. After a while, he said, “Thank you.”

Ke Ruan was bewildered.

Si Yuhan grabbed Ke Ruan’s hand, disgruntled that he paid too much attention to others.

Ke Ruan was pleased with the intimacy that the male lead showed, and he wrapped Si Yuhan’s small hand with his palm.

“When this matter is resolved, little Han, I will give you a home.”

Home?

Si Yuhan abruptly looked at Ke Ruan, his dark eyes flashing with obscure emotions. He would give him a home?

Ke Ruan noticed Si Yuhan’s suspicion, and he felt bitter and distressful. He reached out and pulled him in his arms. He gently touched his little head with one hand and sighed silently. “Little Han, I swear to you that I will give you a home, and I will give you a real childhood.”

Si Yuhan reached out and clutched the clothes on Ke Ruan’s chest, his little head leaning against his chest.

It was the familiar scent of the ambergris. The refreshing fragrance slowly calmed his restless heart. “I despise myself now.”

Si Yuhan said with full self-mockery.

It seemed he was saying to himself, or saying to Ke Ruan.

“What are you talking about? Why do you despise yourself? Our little Han is the best.”

Si Yuhan was in Ke Ruan’s arms, and Ke Ruan heard him well.

He didn’t think much about what the male lead had said. He thought Si Yuhan was vexing over something. It was good that he could speak out, as it was harmful for him to bottle up his emotions.

Ke Ruan’s foot got much better due to the good rest and recuperation. Since that day, Qi Cheng had stopped retaliating against him in the childish manner. They saw less of each other, which lifted the pressure from Ke Ruan.

Having been confined in the room for so many days, Ke Ruan felt like he was going to go mouldy, especially…

Ke Ruan glanced at Si Yuhan, who was sitting in the corner, immersed in a book.

Ever since he was injured, the male lead appeared in front of him every day when he woke up and left after he fell asleep.

However, the male lead didn’t talk to him. He just sat there reading books, ignoring him.

He brazened it out and talked to him, but Si Yuhan gave him icy response.

He was getting autistic.