Dritte Ehe

Kapitel 18

"Don't be afraid, it's me. What's wrong?"

Her pale, bluish face seemed to be filled with disbelief at finally seeing a familiar face appear.

"Where did you go? Why are you all soaking wet?"

The series of questions revealed an unconcealable terror on her pale face as she kept looking behind her!

"What happened? Who's chasing you?"

He wanted to speak, but due to excessive fright and exhaustion, he was so shocked that he couldn't utter a word!

"What happened to her neck..." Before her eyes, a small face looked like a frightened bird, and there was a clear red finger mark around her neck!

"Ahhh—ahhh—"

I could hear the footsteps coming from behind. They were very light, very light. I could hear them, I could really hear them. They were coming after me!

"Chu—Chu—" Facing those eyes that were almost identical to her own, a pair of small hands grabbed the other person in surprise, shouting out a name that was hard to pronounce!

At one end, a sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy in magnificent attire, wearing a royal gold crown, made his long, flowing black hair, which was always more beautiful than a woman's, even more eye-catching. The boy was handsome and elegant, with a dashing demeanor. He was adorned with precious jewels and jade, which showed his noble status.

"Third Prince, the voice is coming from over there," the attendant said.

"Judging from the watermark, it should have gone that way too."

"That's Yingfu Garden over there. The Crown Prince is entertaining the Su family today!"

"The Su family? The Su family, one of the four great families." I remember last year my elder brother just took the second daughter of the Su family as a concubine.

"It is said that the eldest son of the Su family returned from his travels in the Eastern Regions, and the Crown Prince specially hosted a banquet to welcome him back, wanting to hear about his travel adventures."

"The eldest son of the Su family!" She slightly narrowed her beautiful, long eyes. "I remember the Su family has two daughters and four sons, the last of whom is only six or seven years old?"

"Yes, I heard you're here today too. Would you like to...?"

Just as the attendant was about to speak again, the master raised his hand to signal, and three people slowly approached from the front.

"Su Dongling, I heard you've returned from your travels. You must have gained a lot of knowledge on this trip." The elegant young man greeted the person approaching first.

"How dare I boast in front of the knowledgeable Third Prince?" Su Dongling, the eldest son of the Su family, smiled and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.

The four great families of Gao, Duan, Lu, and Su are not required to follow court etiquette because they are martial arts families and assisted the imperial court during wartime.

"These two young brothers must be the pride of your Su family." Of the Su family brothers, the young man in fine clothes had only met the eldest and third sons before.

"Rong Dongling introduced, 'This is the second brother, Su Yunxing, and the other is the youngest brother, Su Shaochu.'"

Two boys, one twelve and the other only six, both bowed respectfully to the prince before them, showing no sign of panic despite their youth and the presence of royalty.

The Su brothers are all handsome and upright, and the youngest, Su Shaochu, has a delicate face with red lips and white teeth, clear and intelligent eyebrows, and bright black eyes. Although he is young, his outstanding charm can already be seen.

With just one glance, the young nobleman knew that this face and figure belonged to the child who had just slipped away from his grasp. It turned out that the stubborn little devil who had glared at him and made him momentarily mistake the little girl for a member of the Su family was now a bit of a problem.

However, something seemed off. The gaze he was receiving was different from before; it was the same face, the same figure, the same clothes, yet he couldn't quite put his finger on what was wrong!

"Third Prince, we are about to meet His Majesty. Would you like to come along?"

"No, I have other important matters to attend to."

"Then the three of us brothers will take our leave first." Su Dongling gestured and led his two brothers away.

As the young boy passed by him, their eyes briefly met out of the corner of his eye, and the young nobleman's long eyes suddenly gleamed with a sharp light, because the young boy was dressed in dry clothes!

The small body that escaped the disaster fell ill due to fear and the cold water of autumn and winter, which also triggered a pre-existing condition, causing it to hover in danger several times!

All that could be heard was the soft sobbing of a woman, like her mother and two older sisters, their deep concern and warm pats constantly comforting the tormented little body. The voices of her family members came and went, but the dazed little head did not know what was happening. It only knew that her suffering had shrouded her family in a heavy black fog!

"We cannot stay in the Central Plains. Although we do not know why the Third Prince would harm a child, given Chu'er's condition, it is not advisable to keep her in the capital any longer. We should send Chu'er to Nanyuan, where herbal medicine is prevalent. Besides, with the Eldest Princess there, Chu'er's condition can not only improve, but she can also temporarily avoid the current crisis!" The old patriarch of the Su family finally made the decision.

So, in that year, under the protection and planning of his father and brothers, the fourth son of the Su family was sent to Nanyuan. For several years afterward, the fourth son of the Su family frequently traveled between the Central Plains and Nanyuan.

The night on the grassland is exceptionally bright and clear. When the sound of a flute drifts over, one can't help but follow the sound.

The sound of the flute danced like a night breeze, one note after another, melodious and lingering. As the flute's notes faded away, a soft, gentle sigh could be heard—

Where has the gentle breeze gone? Does the bright moon know sorrow? Endless nights, how many sweet dreams remain? Riding the wind, I cannot break through the waves of the mortal world; without wings, I cannot cross ten thousand peaks. In the end, my soul is consumed, my heart weary. Fate, hard to continue; dreams, hard to keep? ...

Sensing his approaching presence, the girl turned to look at him, put down her flute, and asked with a smile, "You listened to this half a month ago, did you like it?"

The young man in plain clothes, stumped by her question, really wanted to tell her that the person from half a month ago was not him, but seeing her beautiful expression in the night, he couldn't bring himself to say it. However, he loved watching her softly humming and playing music; it was so gentle and beautiful. So he nodded.

Her beautiful rosy cheeks smiled even more brightly, making the young man before her gaze even more intently.

"These words are too heavy and too sorrowful." He moistened his lips; this was his initial impression.

"You said the same thing last time, except you added 'Don't make trouble for yourself'."

The visitor simply smiled faintly and did not respond further.

"It would be even more moving if it were accompanied by your piano playing."

"My zither music will never be as soulful as your flute playing."

His zither was merely a way to relieve boredom and boredom during his childhood while recuperating from illness, but her music was used to save lives. In Nanyuan, she could use the flute's melodies to penetrate people's blood and qi, smoothing out the stagnant blood and qi in their bodies, and she could also use the flute's music to calm the patients' inner turmoil and bring them peace. But she could never save herself. Born with a mental illness and disability, her young life was destined to end earlier than others!

"Your instrument is full of life and has power."

"Really? Then has this power been granted to you?"

"I only see the sunset's splendor, but rarely witness the sunrise; my life is fleeting!" The beautiful young woman gazed at the moonlight, deeply moved. "How can my crippled body, beyond the reach of medicine, be worthy of receiving any power?"

"Don't talk nonsense!" he said, slightly angrily.

"Are you angry? You almost never get angry with girls." The woman laughed instead, and then saw another figure running from the grassland. "My sister is here. She loves being by your side. As long as you're here, she won't see anyone else."

This is precisely where his frustration and wry smile lie!

Facing a bright and energetic young girl rushing towards her, waving her hand happily, does she really know which "he" she is facing?

Chapter 1

All things are silent, the bright moon hangs in the sky, the winter night is cold and the wind chills to the bone, and the fine snow extends the splendor of winter.

Within the capital, the magnificent and splendid imperial palace remains brightly lit even at night. Inside and outside the city, rows of imperial guards patrol back and forth, strictly protecting the safety of the imperial city.

Not far from the imperial city, another magnificent and opulent mansion stood, its jade-tiled roof covered with a thin layer of snow, contrasting beautifully with the moonlight, lending the night a profound and tranquil feel.

In the vast mansion, faint piano music drifted in and out, its source difficult to discern; all that could be known was that the sound had occasionally drifted over the past ten days.

Outside, frost and snow covered the branches, but inside a secluded garden deep within the house, the rising steam from the natural hot spring created a misty atmosphere. Snowflakes falling into the open-air hot spring stream were instantly melted away by the steam.

A hot spring stream is located at the foot of a mountain cliff. Normally, the clear spring water flows down the cliff, but at this time, due to the winter cold, frost forms on the cliff. Only the frost on the wall closest to the hot spring below is evaporated.

Plum trees line the path around the stream, and stepping on the jade steps piled up by the stream, one can see pavilions carved from snow-white jade. At the other end, a winding slope covered with green grass is framed by maple trees, and the warm, misty air makes this "Snow Jade Pavilion" seem like a fairyland in the clouds.

In summer, the mountain streams and waterfalls cascade down the thousand-foot cliffs, their waters scattering like mist and clouds, mingling with the warm spring water below. Regardless of the season, this intimate garden, a blend of human ingenuity and nature, remains warm in winter and cool in summer, offering unique scenery in each season.

Today, the elegant melody still flows gently under the moonlit snow-covered pavilion, its sound clear and melodious, like a soft murmur, until snowflakes fall again on the hot spring stream, and the night wind whistles, the zither and lute playing high-pitched melodies.

"On the cold, seven-stringed instrument, I listen quietly to the chill of the pine breeze. Though I cherish the ancient melody, few play it today." A light, cheerful murmur drifts along with the music.

Before the snow-white jade table, amidst the wisps of smoke, a figure of ethereal grace and elegance appeared, her lowered brows conveying a focused expression as she played the zither, her nimble fingers dancing across the strings.

"Any words you utter always carry a unique charm."

A few steps away, there was a couch covered with purple and gold silk, with colorful gold beads strung into curtains on both sides, and a light purple gauze tied with gold silk threads in waves at the top of the luxurious couch.

The man reclining on the couch, his long fingers supporting his head, listened with an air of nonchalance. Though he had shed the dazzling robes and the imperial crown that signified his status during the day, his flawless and handsome face, with its lazy smile, appeared relaxed and gentle. Only the zither player facing him knew the sinister and ruthless depths hidden in those eyes, which were like the boundless night.

"Those who understand music know its charm; those who understand the zither know its rhythm. In my youth, I merely used this zither to indulge in refined pleasures." The person in front of the snow-white jade table smiled calmly, and the zither music came to an end.

"This is because Prince Zanben is a kindred spirit, or rather, this ancient zither has met a kindred spirit."

The Third Prince, Zhu Yu, had a stern look in his slightly narrowed eyes, exuding an irreplaceable arrogance. His flowing black hair was as lustrous as a woman's, and he wore a gold earring made of red jewels on one ear. The jewels shimmered with a golden-red light in his black hair as they reached his shoulder. Although he was a man, all kinds of gemstones and jade suited him perfectly. Coupled with his innate royal demeanor, he always looked noble and magnificent.

"The Third Prince is the true connoisseur of this 'Minglan' guqin."

"Then who is the kindred spirit in Shao Chu's heart?" Facing the handsome and refined young man before him, Zhu Yu raised his eyebrows and asked with interest.

"It's a trivial matter, how could it trouble the Third Prince?" With a slight smile and a furrowed brow, Su Shaochu gave this a polite rebuff, offering no direct response.

"I, the prince, am a kindred spirit of 'Minglan.' If I were to give this guqin to you, who understands the instrument, would I then become your kindred spirit, Shao Chu?"

"As a young man, I have always aspired to make friends with kindred spirits from all over the world. Now that I have been appreciated by the Third Prince, it would be an honor for me to make another kindred spirit."

He is a kindred spirit among all people! Let Zhu Yu be just one of many kindred spirits!

This answer made Zhu Yu's lips curl into a smirk, and his eyes darken.

"Whether openly or covertly, you're pushing me away from getting close. The exceptionally intelligent Fourth Young Master Su, don't forget your current predicament." Zhu Yu sat up, casually resting his wrist on his bent right knee, looking directly at the composed and elegant man before him, his eyes revealing a sharp, cold smile.

"The Third Prince refers to the Third Prince who, half a month ago, unfortunately injured Shao Chu and fell into the Third Prince's mansion. He was fortunate enough to receive the Third Prince's 'helping hand' and was 'settled' in this secluded garden of the mansion, where no one knows about him. Hmm, this situation is indeed unforgettable for Shao Chu." Su Shao Chu spoke casually with a smile about his current predicament.

Still recovering from his injuries, he found himself trapped in this unique place, isolated from the outside world. Even the people in the Three Emperors' Mansion probably had little knowledge of this secluded garden at the foot of the cliff behind the Three Emperors' Mansion.

"What? This Snow Jade Pavilion is a wonderful scene painted by Jin Xin Pi. Here, the heavens and earth meet. The energy from this confluence is drawn to form a spring, which is then connected to a mountain spring filled with the spiritual energy of the sun and moon. The two waters blend together to create a famous spring for healing and detoxifying. The reason why the Three Emperors' residence was built here is precisely because of this characteristic of the confluence of heavens and earth. It has even been secretly developed into a garden, surrounded by cliffs. The only secret passage is my bedroom."

Zhu Yu, not forgetting to "kindly" emphasize this characteristic, said, "Besides myself and the two maids Wuyou and Wuchou who are here to manage things, no one else is allowed to enter this place. How come I can't win over my beloved younger brother Shaochu?"

"Such an honor is not something a young man can enjoy."

"Young Master Su Shaochu is too modest. Only such an 'honor' can keep you here."

"The Third Prince's favor towards Shao Chu is truly frightening to Shao Chu. What is the meaning behind it?"

Meeting those seemingly gentle and smiling eyes, Su Shaochu also slowly raised the corners of his lips, but his bright eyes turned inward and darkened, because he saw a glint of predatory light flashing in the other's eyes, revealing a sinister and venomous fang.

"What does he mean?" His enigmatic expression was accompanied by a deliberately drawn-out tone. "Outsiders may not understand the genders and secrets of the four young masters of the Su family, but this prince knows them perfectly well."

"It's a trivial matter, even if it's Shao Chu's private matter, it shouldn't pose any threat to the Third Prince."

"The crime of deceiving the emperor extends to nine generations of one's family. Since I, the prince, am aware of this, how can I let it go unpunished?"

"I suppose the esteemed Third Prince has other instructions regarding this matter. Please speak frankly: what price must Shao Chu pay?"

"Young Chu Ai is wary of his younger brother at every turn, as if he doesn't believe that I, the prince, saved him out of genuine sincerity."