Gu Bai was leaving the private room of the tea house when he bumped into Xue Yunfeng, whom Yanu had summoned over. The other party seemed anxious. However, once Xue Yunfeng caught sight of Gu Bai's sorry appearance, his own expression froze in a flash.
Due to his keen power of observation, Gu Bai could clearly see Xue Yunfeng's expression change. He lowered his head and checked his own appearance. Suddenly, realization struck him.
This body was not good with alcohol. Just now, he had drunk two cups of strong liquor in the private room, and his face flushed scarlet. A moment ago, because he had sat close to Xue Han, his clothes became exceptionally disheveled. Even his belt had grown loose.
Moreover, since Gu Bai's legs had grown soft from drinking, Xue Yunfeng's thoughts obviously traveled in a crooked direction…
Xue Yunfeng was certain this was the case. After he had seen Gu Bai's appearance, he could not help but grow furious in a flash, certain that Gu Bai was trying to seduce Xue Han.
When it's all said and done, Xue Yunfeng had memories of a previous life where Gu Bai had ruthlessly thrown himself into the bosom of the victor, enjoying glory. After his rebirth, on the surface, the court's circumstances were very unfavorable for him.
Because of the crown prince's behavior of liking beauties more than he cared about the nation, the emperor already desired to depose him. On the surface, the court did not support the crown prince's authority. If there were a few princes fighting for this position, he definitely would lose. It was normal that his cold and ruthless male pet had abandoned him, and started to seek a new protector.
Xue Yunfeng inwardly sneered. A cheap person would be a cheap person. As expected, it's hard for them to change their cold and ruthless natural instincts!
Although he was sneering in his heart, before he solidified his position, he would not completely expose his disgust. As a result, his cold expression disappeared in an instant, a face of worry returning.
"Rong Yi, how are you? Nothing's wrong, right? Just now, Yanu said that Imperial Uncle summoned you over…"
Yanu still had some brains. He did not dare to say that Gu Bai himself insisted on having him here. Instead, he had only informed Xue Yunfeng that Prince Yu of the First Rank had "summoned him forcibly."
Facing the also worried Yanu, Gu Bai shook his head. Then he shifted his gaze to Xue Yunfeng. In a soft voice, he said, "Your Highness, I'm fine. His Highness hasn't done anything to me. Don't worry…"
Don't worry? How could he not worry?!
Xue Yu glanced at the red marks in plain sight on Gu Bai's neck and sneered once more. But he only nodded. In an utmost cherishing manner, he hugged his shoulder. And they left together.
Gu Bai had several worlds' worth of experience. So how could he not tell that that person loathed him? He smiled yet did not explain. He wanted Xue Yunfeng to stew in those thoughts himself. Hate, hate, just keep on hating.This master will give you something to regret in the future…
Once they had returned to the imperial palace, after Xue Yunfeng attentively shared a meal with Gu Bai, he made an excuse and left.
After his rebirth, because of Xue Yunfeng's intense resentment and fury, whenever he touched the previous owner of Gu Bai's body, he would feel like throwing up. As such, everytime he sat in the original host's residence, he felt the urge to leave after a few moments.
Once he had left, Yanu brought a teapot over. Filled with worry, he cried.
"Wu, wu, Master. Your honored self can fool others but cannot fool Yanu. Previously, Prince Yu definitely was bullying you. Wu, wu. Earlier, Yanu heard that Prince Yu was amorous, uninhibited, and terrifying. Master, why are you associating yourself with him so closely? Now we have suffered losses. Wu, wu… Yanu should not have listened to your honored self's words and allowed you to go…"
The more he spoke, the more intense his sobbing became. The original host had treated him well. Naturally, he was loyal. Now his master was probably, no, was definitely being bullied. Of course he was concerned.
After hearing Yanu's words, Gu Bai finally reacted. He rubbed at the marks on his neck and gloomily said one word. Following that, he instructed people to prepare his bath. Then he patted Yanu, who was sobbing loudly, and consoled him a little.
In the end, the more he consoled the little eunuch, the more he cried.
"Wu, wu, wu… Master, don't lie to Yanu anymore. That Prince Yu of the First Rank looks like a two-faced person. He definitely bullies your honored self. No. We must tell His Highness about this, and have His Highness act for you. Even if he is a prince, he should not bully Master…"
Then he made to find Xue Yunfeng. However, Gu Bai hurried to grab him.
That little eunuch was very devoted, but his intelligence was a bit lacking. It truly was a miracle that such a simple eunuch existed in the imperial palace.
Let's not talk about how nothing had happened now. Even if something had occurred, and Xue Yunfeng learned of it, he would not act for the original host. The other party absolutely wanted him dead!
"Yanu, I'm truly fine…" Gu Bai truly was afraid that he would go look for Xue Yunfeng. As such, he explained things to him once more.
"Master, you lied to me. Wuwu…"
The little eunuch continued to sob loudly.
Gu Bai was amused. It seemed as if he wouldn't be able to explain things clearly. So he might as well not try. This loyal little eunuch was simple to the point of adorable…
Elsewhere, once Xue Yunfeng had returned to his inner chamber, he could not suppress his fury any longer. And he hurled many things to the ground, smashing them to pieces.
Although after his rebirth, he only had hate remaining for Rong Yi, whenever he saw the other party easily forget him and become intimate with another man, the fire in his heart roared.
He was so furious about his previous self prior to rebirth for being blind. This person was so obvious, yet he still had not been able to see his real face. In the other party's eyes, his love was nothing!
As long as he recalled how Rong Yi laughed in another man's arms after his previous life's death, he would fall into a towering rage, his grudge so deep that his chest boiled.
It didn't matter if it were the last life or the current. This person could coldly and ruthlessly abandon him.
Once he had vented out his frustration, Xue Yunfeng adjusted his clothes and said, "Send the arrival notice to Prince Yu's estate. I will visit Imperial Uncle tomorrow…" The anger had vanished from his face, a heartless visage replacing it.
Rong Yi, since you are heartless, then don't blame this prince for being the same!
The next day, Xue Yunfeng left his estate early in the morning. Gu Bai also did not inquire about his whereabouts, staying in his chamber to begin cultivating.
He had entered this mission at a bad time, with not enough time to prepare. It was necessary to have a way to protect himself before Xue Yunfeng did something dire. Moreover, he also had to help Xue Han by prescribing him medicine and detoxifying his body. Not to mention, use his cultivation to refine the medicine.
This mission wasn't too difficult. However, one couldn't look down on it. Gu Bai stopped delving in his contempt toward Xue Yunfeng, and started to refine the medicine.
Yanu did not know what he was thinking. Noticing his poor complexion, he only thought that his master was depressed after Xue Han had bullied him. That his body wasn't well. Every now and then, his eyes would redden, and he would lament about why his master had such a tragic life, wuwu…
The estate of Prince Yu of the First Rank.
At present, the court seemed at peace. Yet, chaos brewed beneath the surface. As Prince Yu of the First rank, who held the military power of the Qi army, Xue Han would definitely be the largest supporter of the next emperor before he died.
As a result, the amount of people seeking to meet Xue Han had proved countless, though he did not meet with anyone. But today was an exception. Originally, Xue Yunfeng had just been testing the waters when he sent his arrival notice. Never had he expected that that night, Xue Han would send a message telling him to arrive at his estate early in the morning.
After he set down the gift, Xue Yunfeng waited almost two hours in the hall. Then Xue Han made his entry in a leisurely manner.
His hair had yet to be arranged and slipped into a crown. His clothes had yet to be tidied up. The outer robe draping on his shoulder revealed his inner garment, conduct extremely uninhibited and disrespectful.
"Yunfeng greets Imperial Uncle…"
Although he had waited almost two hours, and the other party had met him with such an appearance, Xue Yunfeng did not dare to be one bit disrespectful.
Because this little Imperial Uncle of his had that kind of power, even though everyone knew he would be gone before long. Yet at present, in Great Qi, his words were at the very least comparable to an imperial decree.
Xue Han yawned and said straightforwardly, "No need for nonsense and civilities. Speak. Why have you come to visit this prince today?"
Xue Yunfeng understood the temperament of this little Imperial Uncle. He glanced at the guards at the side. Noticed that Xue Han did not have the intention to dismiss them. After hesitating for a moment, he cupped his hands and said, "Imperial Uncle, today Yunfeng has come to request for Imperial Uncle's support…"
"You want to ascend the throne?" Xue Han frowned, his stare sharp like a blade.
Xue Yunfeng nodded, not at all denying it.
"Imperial Uncle, although Yunfeng already has the seat of the crown prince, your honored self should know that Imperial Father has many sons. There will inevitably be some that are discontent. For this reason, may Imperial Uncle support Yunfeng…"
"There are many who request help from this prince. Why should this prince help you?"
Xue Han tapped a finger on the table top. His manner proved domineering.
Xue Yunfeng had long since been aware of Xue Han's attitude. So he wasn't angry. He took in a deep breath, approaching one step and respectfully saying, "Imperial Uncle, may you support Yunfeng. I know that Imperial Uncle's health is not good. Fortunately, I have someone who can help. He would definitely cure Imperial Uncle's illness. If Imperial Uncle is willing to support Yunfeng, Yunfeng is willing to listen to any of your orders in the future…"
Even if he had to listen to all of Xue Han's orders and act like a puppet emperor, it's better than losing the race for the throne. Moreover, as long as he became the emperor, he would have the chance to regain his authority in the future.
Besides, Xue Han was poisoned with a toxin that could not be cured by any means. At most, he could extend his life by a few years. Xue Han's life was short. There was no reason to doubt that he could regain his power.
Since Xue Han had not given him a response in so long, Xue Yunfeng continued to say, "Imperial Uncle probably doesn't know, but the person who can cure Imperial Uncle's illness is Rong Yi. If Imperial Uncle is willing, I will send him to your estate tomorrow to check your pulse…"
What was left unspoken went without saying.
"Oh?" Xue Fan's domineering expression changed in an instant. He looked up at Xue Yunfeng, his gaze probing.
"Isn't Rong Yi your most favored beauty? Last time, when this prince asked to have him, you wouldn't agree no matter what. So why are you able to bear with this now…?"
Back then, he had yet to be reborn and still lacked brains. Xue Yunfeng hid his hate in his heart. Then he straightened his back. Lightly smiled.
"If one wants to succeed in something grand, one cannot mind trivial things. Rong Yi is a prince of Beizhao Country. Word has it that, from young, the members of their imperial clan nurtured Gu in their bodies. Their blood and other body fluids have magical properties. It may be assumed that these can heal Imperial Uncle. What does Imperial Uncle think?"
He was merely a male pet who seemed cold and ruthless on the surface. Right now, what was the harm in giving him away?
As long as Xue Han was willing to help him ascend the throne, this transaction was well worth it. Even if this time's Imperial Uncle lived a bit longer than the one in his previous life, once Xue Yunfeng regained his authority, he could remove this arrogant Imperial Uncle!
When it's all said and done, Xue Yunfeng was too inexperienced. Despite the fact that he hid his emotions, Xue Han noticed his ruthlessness.
But Xue Han cared more about how, through Xue Yunfeng's own volition, he would unexpectedly part with Rong Yi in an exchange. After all, it was obvious to everyone how much Xue Yunfeng doted on Rong Yi. If he were merely putting on a show, in the past he would not have tossed out all the imperial concubines in the East Palace, angering the emperor.
In fact, yesterday that beautiful male pet had met with him to talk about the succession. Now, Xue Yunfeng also came to speak about such matters. Just what were these two playing at?
Xue Han found it slightly interesting.
He stared at Xue Yunfeng for a while. He had yet to mention how Gu Bai had talked about the same thing yesterday. After a moment of silence, he smiled.
"Since this is the case, then send that person over to examine this prince well. This prince indeed wants to live for a few more years…"
"Many thanks to Imperial Uncle."
Joy filled his face. This was his Imperial Uncle's implicit agreement.
Even if his little Imperial Uncle rejected him, he had other ways of ascending the throne. But directly receiving the backing of this Imperial Uncle with a short life made things much easier.