Young Prime Minister, a Hermit

Chapter 103

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Chapter 1 Things and people are different (Part 1)

Chapter 1 Things and people are different (Part 1)

"Let us raise a glass to the east wind and enjoy this moment together. In those days, the lone smoke rose straight in the vast desert; it was during those times of hardship that we stood together through life and death."

Parting and reunion are fleeting and sorrowful, this regret is endless. This year's flowers are more beautiful than last year's, but alas, next year's flowers will be even more magnificent; with whom will I share them?

May in Fengyin is a May with gentle breezes. Shangyong is located by the sea, so the warm wind that blows in always carries a bit of moisture. It is so pleasant to touch your cheek that you don't want it to leave.

I stood quietly by the window, dressed in a simple blue shirt that seemed utterly out of place on the battlefield. Outside, the daily lives of the people of Shangyong, the small enemy town I had just conquered, unfolded. Their faces showed little emotion; perhaps it was because the common people lacked a strong sense of loyalty, and they were willing to serve whoever could provide them with a comfortable life. Or perhaps, I was indeed a commander who treated the people of an enemy country very well, and my good reputation spread far and wide, which was why they felt so at ease.

The crystal-clear jade flute was tucked into my waistband, and I casually took it out. The jade flute was milky white, slightly transparent, and interspersed with fine, even red threads like floral patterns; it was clearly a priceless treasure.

Although I am now a wealthy man with immense power and influence, I would never spend money on such a luxury item. This jade flute, named "Silver Red Mutton Fat," was a gift from the richest man in the world to thank me for saving my life, so it is certainly not a cheap or shabby item.

With her slender, delicate fingers, she picked up the jade flute, marveling at the perfection of her own hands. If she were in modern times, she would undoubtedly be a born pianist. Her fair hands contrasted beautifully with the silvery jade; it was hard to tell who enhanced whom, or who stole whose brilliance.

He pressed his lips to the small blowhole, and the cool breath traveled through his lips and body. He couldn't help but sigh: "Truly a fine flute, a fine flute made of fine jade." After passing Shangyong City, he gazed intently at the distant mountains and rivers outside the window. Six mountain ranges, layer upon layer, appeared and disappeared in the clouds and mist. After just a while, he felt refreshed and relaxed.

In the end, I still didn't dare to close my eyes and play. It wasn't that I thought my pretentious and intoxicated appearance wasn't attractive enough, but I was afraid that if I closed my eyes, I would see things that I couldn't see normally, such as the ghost that had once appeared and disappeared behind me, teaching me to play.

When the piece ended, I felt quite proud of myself. I was able to play Wang Leehom's "Fallen Leaves Return to Their Roots" so movingly and with such a profound artistic conception. I have to say that my flute skills have reached the level of a master.

Just as I was basking in my own thoughts, a pleasant voice rudely interrupted me: "Lin Yu, you've been thinking about this for long enough, haven't you? I don't have time to waste with you."

I quickly turned around and said with a smile, "How about we call it quits for now?"

The man opposite me looked up, his brown eyes giving me a half-smile: "Lin Yu, you'd better just admit defeat."

The man opposite me had cascading black hair, so lustrous it reflected light, loosely bound only by a silver brocade ribbon. His features, partially obscured by the flowing hair, were exquisitely handsome, perfectly complementing his white brocade robes; he truly possessed an elegant and ethereal bearing. Unfortunately, even his striking good looks couldn't erase the contempt I felt for him at that moment. Indeed, one wrong step can lead to eternal regret!

"This round doesn't count!" I was furious, but my expression remained nonchalant, and my tone was still lazy. "Han Jue, if you hadn't deliberately deceived me, why would I have agreed to give you three pieces?"

Han Jue leaned back in his chair, still looking at me with that smug expression: "All's fair in war, you're the one who taught me that."

I'm really starting to have a headache. Jingyuan is sometimes impulsive and stubborn, and easy to fool; but sometimes he can be incredibly shrewd. Sigh, after all, we shouldn't forget that he is Zimo's ancestor!

I spoke to him gently, saying, "After all, I'm your savior. A small act of kindness deserves a great return, don't you understand?"

"I understand!" Han Jue laughed heartily. "However, you also said that one should repay kindness!"

I was furious. I used to think Han Jue was mature, steady, and unpredictable, but I later realized that he was just a stubborn and shameless young master, although he was indeed ruthless at times.

Speaking of this life-saving grace, it was truly an unexpected stroke of luck. Back then, at Ying Zimo's request, I sent Qin Xue and her Blood Division subordinates to monitor Han Ning. Coincidentally, they encountered Lu Ling, one of the four great assassins of the Ishu Continent, who was trying to assassinate Han Jue. I think that when I ordered Qin Xue to monitor Han Ning, I casually mentioned protecting Han Jue as well. Although I had long forgotten it myself, Qin Xue said so. So, in any case, Han Jue's life was saved at the last second.

Afterwards, Han Jue insisted that I had saved his life and refused to leave, claiming it was to ensure his safety. No matter how I tried to cover it up, he just smiled knowingly. So I have to say, Zi Mo's ancestors were sometimes frighteningly perceptive.

I sighed and finally surrendered: "Tell me, what do you want me to do?" Ugh! Ugh! Why did I agree to play against him? Agreeing to play a game is one thing, but why did I agree to give him a three-piece handicap? And even if I gave him a three-piece handicap, why did I agree to the loser having to grant the winner a condition? It's all this cunning guy's fault; he was ridiculously bad in the first two games!

A satisfied smile finally appeared on Han Jue's face. This man, as refined as bamboo dew and a gentle breeze, was indeed pleasing even to the eye with his smile. He rested his hands on the chessboard, his brown eyes fixed on me, and said, word by word, "Let me help you!"

Brown is actually a very transparent color, lighter than black and darker than blue, especially on that ghost who was already somewhat transparent. Sometimes, when I look into his eyes, I think it wouldn't be surprising if I could see what was behind him through his eyes.

"Lin Yu, Lin Yu..." Han Jue called me a few times, then looked at me with a puzzled expression, staring at me intently, wanting to ask but not asking.

I glanced away, trying to hide my discomfort, and took a small sip of the slightly cooled tea. The icy sensation made me a little uncomfortable. Sigh! It's better to have Yihan by my side after all; he would never let my tea get cold, nor would he let me catch a chill.

I glanced up at Han Jue. I always stare at him like this, lost in thought, forgetting the world and time. It must be very troubling for him! It's such a rude thing to look for someone else's shadow in another person, but it's been two years and I still can't get rid of it.

I sighed again and said helplessly, "Jingyuan, although you are the richest man in the world at such a young age, and although I admit that you are indeed talented at a young age and everyone wants to use you, I really don't need your help."

Han Jue frowned, his expression displeased: "You are currently in Fengyin territory, with less than 80,000 troops under your command. Yang Qian wants to kill you as soon as possible. Even if the people and generals of Fengyin do not rise up in resistance, they will not welcome you. And the Emperor has clearly begun to suspect you and weaken your power. How could you not need my help?"

I pinched my smooth, stubble-free chin between my right index finger and thumb, slowly organizing my thoughts: "Jingyuan, I only hope that you live an ordinary and peaceful life, without getting involved in any political struggles. Besides, what I need to do is something you can't help with, and you wouldn't be willing to help with."

"How do you know I wouldn't be willing to help?" Han Jue stared at me stubbornly, which left me feeling helpless. I couldn't very well tell him that I might very well amass an army, rebel, and seize his homeland.

“Even if you want to rebel, I will still help you,” he said in an extremely calm and resolute voice.

I was startled and almost gave myself away, so I quickly composed myself and laughed it off, saying, "Alright! Alright! I'll remember your kindness. Anyway, aren't you helping me right now? Yang Qian withheld our military supplies. If it weren't for your help, we probably wouldn't be able to pretend to be a model army that doesn't take a single needle or thread from the people anymore."

Han Jue was speechless after I said something, his expression a mixture of annoyance and amusement. He looked at me with narrow, phoenix-shaped eyes, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

I smiled indifferently. I didn't dislike Han Jue, but I certainly didn't trust him completely. What else could I do but joke around and play games with him? I absolutely couldn't afford to fall out with him. He was the richest man in the world, controlling the economic lifeline of so many people. How could I easily offend him?

Just as I was about to ask if we should play another round, Qin Wu's exaggerated shout came from outside the door. That kid, really, hasn't improved at all in two years. He's still so straightforward and impatient. Look at Qin Gui, he looks much younger than him, but he can use the appearance of an angel and the heart of a devil to the fullest extent.

"Young Master! Young Master! Master is back!"

I jumped up in surprise, deciding to completely forgive his recklessness this time, my heart filled with joy and anticipation. How long had it been since I'd seen Yihan? Well… only ten days, but it felt like ten years!

I rushed to the city wall and looked down to see a man in a blue robe casually reining in his galloping horse. He jumped off with ease, while the horse collapsed, clearly exhausted.

As if by telepathy, he looked up and saw me. His face was weary and tired from his journey, but he couldn't hide the gleam in his dark eyes and the barely perceptible smile on his lips.

Qin Wu lowered a long rope and excitedly called out, "Master, come up quickly!"

Yi Han's gaze never left me for a moment, but his hand instinctively gripped the rope. With a leap, he soared through the sky like an eagle, agile and graceful. Before I could even react, he was already standing silently in front of me.

Next update: Friday evening, January 4th.

Thank you everyone for your support! I was worried the previous post might have annoyed you! I'm so happy now, ^_^. Please leave lots of comments!

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Chapter 1 Things and people are different (Part 2)