You Still Have Lots Of Time . . .
In fact, it wasn't just the Crown Prince who discerned something unusual—Guan Zhengwen had also noticed. He kept a watchful eye on Cha Eun Xiao, his gaze gentle yet intent, taking in every word, gesture, and facial expression.
However, Guan Zhengwen's thoughts diverged from those of the Crown Prince. He was assessing Cha Eun Xiao's physical condition, his inner monologue filled with concern. [He was struck by my Melting Bone Palm; there's no way he should have recovered so swiftly!]
Cha Nantian possessed the ability to heal the effects of a Melting Bone Palm strike, and he likely aided in Cha Eun Xiao's rapid recovery. Furthermore, the royal house had access to a wealth of valuable medical materials. It was reasonable to assume that Cha Eun Xiao's swift recuperation was the result of these factors...
Much like the Crown Prince, Guan Zhengwen chose to believe something that would put his mind at ease. He preferred to believe that Cha Eun Xiao genuinely had no knowledge of what had transpired.
"Now that you're in good health, we can spend time together once more. Well, not today though," Lan Langlang exclaimed with evident joy. He was so excited that he practically skipped as he walked. "I need to return these dan beads; they're a matter of life and death for many people. Someday, I'll come to visit you with Zuo. We can visit my shop. It's a recently established business. It may not be on par with Ling-Bao Hall, but I'm confident that it will surpass it someday."
With Lan Langlang setting the precedent, the rest of the group approached Cha Eun Xiao as well. They displayed great humility, acting as if Cha Eun Xiao were the prince, and they were his loyal followers.
Zuo Wuji was the last to approach. Initially, he hesitated because the youngest prince, Chen Zhi, was by his side.
The youngest prince eagerly conversed with Zuo Wuji, peppering him with questions. When Cha Eun Xiao drew near, Zuo Wuji met his gaze.
In Cha Eun Xiao's eyes, there was a hint of inquiry.
Zuo Wuji seemed taken aback but eventually nodded.
Cha Eun Xiao was equally surprised. Then, lost in thought, he stared into the distance. Zuo Wuji, not saying a word, observed him with a furrowed brow.
As the silence lingered, Cha Eun Xiao sighed and shrugged.
Zuo Wuji mirrored the gesture with a sigh of his own.
They exchanged no words but simply parted ways.
Indeed, their communication had been wordless, consisting of meaningful glances and subtle gestures. And with those unspoken exchanges, they were done.
"Are you engaged in silent riddles? What's the matter?" Chen Zhi, intrigued, inquired.
Zuo Wuji wore a wry smile, unsure of how to respond.
"Silent riddles? Perhaps," he contemplated silently. "These brief, silent riddles may have a profound impact on your future lives, and perhaps on the lives of everyone in this world."
Although Cha Eun Xiao uttered no words, he conveyed a message to Zuo Wuji through his eyes: [Let's delve into this further at a later time.]
Zuo Wuji understood the implication.
This unexpected gathering of the "three lords in town" left Lan Langlang overjoyed and astounded. Oblivious to any subtleties, he failed to discern any changes. However, both Cha Eun Xiao and Zuo Wuji noticed that they had indeed changed!
In truth, all three of them had undergone significant transformations!
These changes were remarkable.
Despite donning the same attire and bearing the same appearances, what had changed within them?
Lan Langlang, though still possessing an innocent heart, had grown to understand his responsibilities. He had a clear sense of what he could and should do and where he needed to go in the future. The path ahead might not be smooth, but he had learned to focus on the present while embracing the future.
Cha Eun Xiao sensed a newfound gentleness in Zuo Wuji. He appeared more confident and resolute.
He exuded an air of confidence and pride!
Though unspoken, this invisible vigor radiated from him unmistakably.
It was genuine!
Cha Eun Xiao had a realization.
Zuo Wuji was inching closer to his goals, perhaps already beginning the fight for them. Someday, he would rise to a prominent position within the government, and the regal aura of that position was already evident in him.
He possessed wisdom and the elegance that came with it. Once he ascended to an official role, the energy he would unleash would be beyond anyone's imagination.
The future was bound to be tumultuous, and Zuo Wuji had glimpsed his destiny. He knew where he ultimately belonged, yet he continued to forge ahead, like a moth drawn irresistibly into a blazing fire.
Zuo Wuji was thoroughly prepared. He just needed that final push.
Such were Cha Eun Xiao's reflections on him.
Zuo Wuji couldn't help but notice the stark transformation in Cha Eun Xiao compared to their previous encounters.
In their prior meeting, Cha Eun Xiao had appeared gloomy and somewhat disheveled. But now, he exuded vitality and a carefree demeanor. Every one of his movements, every expression that graced his face, was captivating.
Unconsciously, he seemed to radiate an air of someone who held the world in their grasp. Moreover, there was a distinct air of indifference, as if he no longer cared about the concerns of the world.
"[Cha Eun Xiao's future extends far beyond the Land of Han-Yang]," Zuo Wuji murmured to himself, lost in contemplation. "[And he's nearly prepared... I believe...]"
Interrupting his thoughts, Chen Zhi's voice brought Zuo Wuji back to the present moment. He looked up and realized they had arrived at the Southern General's House.
Lan Langlang had safely returned home. The princes declined the offer to enter and have tea, choosing to depart on their own.
The Crown Prince had initially asked Chen Zhi to accompany him, but Chen Zhi expressed his desire to stay with Zuo Wuji. With a troubled mind, the Crown Prince had tried to calm himself but ultimately did not insist on Chen Zhi accompanying him.
Before leaving, he knelt down to speak with his younger brother. "Zhi, behave yourself and avoid getting into trouble, alright?"
He affectionately tapped Chen Zhi's head and waved to Zuo Wuji before mounting his horse and riding away.
As Zuo Wuji observed the Crown Prince while conversing with his younger brother, he detected a deep-seated fear in Chen Zhi's eyes. He watched the Crown Prince's departure with a continuous smile.
It was the only expression that adorned his face throughout.
It almost resembled a mask he wore.
"I still have plenty of time," Zuo Wuji whispered to himself.
He then addressed Chen Zhi, "You have plenty of time too."
Chen Zhi blinked in surprise and inquired, "What do you mean, Brother Zuo? What are you talking about?"
Zuo Wuji smiled.
"Is it truly an abundance of time, or does it require more time to be determined?"