After putting the plump crabs into a steamer while staying outdoors, Yusheng squints his eyes in the rather bright sun, seeing that there is still sweat on Wang Ling's pale face despite the careful preparation he made.
Although he has already chosen the perfect place to stay near the river and even prepared the snacks and drinks that are suitable to be eaten when the temperature is hot, he still underestimated how weak, fragile, and delicate the situation of Wang Ling's body is.
So, without hesitation, Yusheng gently wraps his internal energy around Wang Ling's body to make him feel a bit at ease before he turns around to quickly take out the low-key but luxurious fan from one of the boxes placed on the side and began to gently fan the young man.
"... I shouldn't have taken you out while the temperature is this hot."
Yusheng's eyebrows slightly wrinkle from worry with a hint of depression in his voice since he was a bit arrogant assuming that he had everything in perfect order, especially when he has the ability to make the man feel at ease.
I have gotten a bit conceited...
Even if he tried to control himself from becoming proud, arrogant, and acting in a foolish manner because of some unnecessary self-confidence, there is still a time where he can be influenced because of certain situations and matters.
"No, don't blame yourself. I have never been this happy in my entire life, so I was a bit reluctant for it to stop. Next time, I will let you know if there is something wrong."
Wang Ling's eyes show a complicated emotion after seeing the genuine worry and helplessness between the wrinkled eyebrows of the Young Prince before his expression turns into concern with a bit of self-blame for being selfish that he has caused trouble.
Yusheng who finally turns his attention towards the other man who tried to comfort him lets out a sigh and couldn't help but reach over to gently pat and care for the man's head, unconsciously doing the action he has always done towards his younger sister in the previous life.
Habit is good but it's also quite troublesome in certain situations, especially for a person with two lifetimes of memories.
And when Yusheng finally understands that he had acted the way he had always done whenever he saw his younger sister being sad, on the person before him, he can't help but tense up for a split second before relaxing and calmly removing the sinful hand away.
… Hmm… it's soft and silky to the touch…
While Yusheng is inwardly appreciating the wonderful feeling after touching a certain short-lived Prince's hair, the corner of Wang Ling's lip slightly arcs higher before acting like he didn't feel extremely pleased about being tenderly patted and cared for on the head.
As for the matter of being treated like a kid at that moment, honestly, Wang Ling can bend and stretch regarding any situation, besides, he doesn't see anything wrong with being treated like a fragile and delicate person who needed great care.
After all, he doesn't feel it loathsome, especially when it is done by the Young Prince before him, which also has the possibility of being the person who has his soul mark.
"Don't push yourself too much. I have been used to enduring everything all these years, so being quite open about my condition and what I genuinely feel is a bit awkward."
"I see… don't worry, I won't swallow in disappointment just because of failure or mistakes. I tend to learn from my mistakes so I don't have to experience it again. Of course, I am not saying that I will be perfect, so please let me know if I am doing something wrong."
"That is a wonderful and amazing mindset. And don't worry, I will definitely try to let you know next time I don't feel good."
While Wang Ling tries hard to restrain the smile on his lips from becoming brighter, which honestly had never been so hard to do in the past, Yusheng nods his head before continuing to fan the man and taking out a silk handkerchief to gently wipe the sweat on the man's forehead.
Of course, he doesn't forget to ask for permission to do it.
Although Yusheng was going to act more intimate towards Wang Ling starting the day they met, he still asked permission from time to time.
What to do if the man misunderstands his actions in the future?
Yusheng still remembers the most important fact that he needs to make Wang Ling happy, so if the possibility of the man suddenly falling for him in the future occurs, he honestly doesn't know how he will react.
Although he can do anything for the sake of his goal, however, feelings are something that he is quite uncomfortable to trample on. Of course, he can also be a hypocritical person and has a high chance of using it on other people if he were forced to do it.
I don't want to be like those people who have trampled upon our sincere feelings…
The people whom I care about... Imperial Older Brother… Imperial Father… and now Wang Ling… I don't want to make you sad.
Yusheng doesn't want to trample upon their feelings in the future. However, he also knows that life is complicated and unpredictable.
… Why do I feel like I am setting up a flag just by thinking about it?... Damn…
Yusheng forcefully ignores the sudden ominous feelings and continues to take care of the person before him.
"Well, we are still getting used to each other, and just from this experience, we could have solved the problem if we had just spoken about it."
Trouble and misunderstanding tend to happen because of the lack of communication, particularly when it comes to honesty and trust. Of course, I will still not reveal the fact that we carry each other's soul marks.
"Yes, next time, I will be more honest."
… Well, I won't be completely honest though… What will I do if your wall becomes thicker and harder to break? I prefer to make my move when I have everything in control…
While Yusheng and Wang Ling smile with each other while completely having different thoughts in mind, Xing Gen standing by the side has his mouth open wide the moment he understands the two Imperial Princes just reveal that they will be associating with each other for a long time.
At the same time, he witnessed how the two Imperial Princes are acting completely different from their usual selves.
At least, in Xing Gen's opinion, his Master is completely different from his outwardly fragile, delicate, and weak appearance. If he were to explain what kind of a person his Master can be easily described with, it would be an insidious and deceptive snake.
When Imperial Prince Ling is with his own people, he looks elegant and easy to get along with, but among most of the people in the Imperial Capital, he is quite known for being a gloomy person with an unpredictable personality who tends to stay in his residence.
And when it comes to the eyes of the Emperor, his Master is a child who feels frustrated because of his health condition and wants to desperately survive and avenge his Imperial Mother's death from his siblings and the family behind them.
Of course, Xing Gen understands that the Emperor is completely blind and eccentric towards his Royal Highness Ling because of his unimaginable love for the departed Imperial Consort.
Basically, no one can really guess what kind of person his Master is because he can become anyone.
That is also the main reason why he is completely shocked by what he is seeing because of the unbelievable feeling that he might really be witnessing a genuine side of his Master.
There is also this vicious and bloodthirsty wolf…
Yes, Xing Gen finds it quite a fitting description of this supposedly enemy Imperial Prince. After witnessing those countless deaths, the stench of thick blood had become a completely unforgettable memory in his mind.
Especially when those dead people are the important soldiers of the Su Empire.
So, who the hell can explain to Xing Gen who is this thoughtful and gentle Imperial Prince who is basically treating his Royal Highness Ling with such meticulous care?
An insidious snake and a vicious wolf staying together…
Somehow, Xing Gen feels a chill running down all over his body just by thinking of it, especially when he imagines the chaos it might lead to on their land.
"By the way, do you need a hand when dealing with the situation on your side?"
While Xing Gen is horrified by his imagination, Yusheng finally considers that it's about time for him to mention what Wang Ling has been doing the past few days. After all, he isn't blind from the constant letters that were being delivered by the only dark guard around Wang Ling.
Besides, it's not like Wang Ling tries to hide what he has been up to from him.
I'm sure he is also digging some pit for Kang these past few days...
"... Mnm… well, I planned to be a missing person after being chased and hunted down by the people Kang had sent in a few days."
Wang Ling doesn't hesitate to reveal the plan that he has ordered for the two dark guards who never came back.
"I'll also be changing my appearance again when we leave this Town. And don't worry, I will use that to make sure that no one will connect us with the people who have been hanging around in the Town after we left."
… It's one of the most useful functions of this power… That is why I have never gotten caught before when traveling around all over the place.
"I'm just a bit troubled about something in my mind, and I don't know which one to choose from it..."
"... Oh? That would be great and you can tell me what you are having trouble with. I might be able to offer some of my opinions."
Yusheng puts down the fan in his hand before pouring another drink for Wang Ling, at the same time, pouring one for himself.
"Well, it's for my disguise when accompanying you in the war later on."
Wang Ling's eyes glinted with evil intentions while feeling like teasing the person before him. So he doesn't hesitate to open his mouth and reveal what he has been thinking lately since it is also true.
"Honestly, I think it will be convenient if I act as your lover, especially when we have to hold hands most of the time. You also planned to make sure that I will feel comfortable in the army right?"
"...!"
"It's just, there are also enemies on your side who should know about my situation and identity… so, would you prefer to have a female lover? I don't mind disguising myself as a young woman since it can also easily help deceive them."
"...!!!"
After all, who would have thought that the Imperial Prince who has been causing them great trouble would be disguised as a woman? Especially the supposedly enemy's female lover?
Well, Wang Ling also has some selfishness and wants to test something while he is at it.
I can also try getting a bit closer to this sturdy wall, it's a win-win situation~