Chapter 1666 – Conquering Nan Sheng, Killing An Huan (74)
“It’s a shame the teacher couldn’t join the hunt today.”
The weather had been quite pleasant lately, and the Young Boy had invited Teacher Hua Yuan to hunt together, but Hua Yuan, weighed down by the troubles of grain shortages and other issues, had to regretfully decline the Young Boy’s invitation. Disappointed, the Young Boy understood that matters of importance took priority, so he dared not act selfishly.
Ever since the Side Lady of An became pregnant, the Young Boy had sensed a noticeable change in how his Father, An, treated him. For this war, despite being on the verge of becoming an adult heir, he was left in the rear under the guise of protection. However, in times of chaos, does such “protection” really hold weight?
Years ago, he had accompanied his mentor, Hua Yuan, on a mission to Dongqing for an alliance. Back then, “protection” was hardly mentioned—so why now, as he neared adulthood, did An suddenly throw out the term? On the surface, it appeared as protection, but in reality, it was a means to weaken the Young Boy’s connection with An’s subordinates. The Young Boy wasn’t foolish; he had realized this. Yet, he couldn’t voice his feelings to outsiders and could only suppress them within.
As someone carried along for no particular purpose, and to show his adoptive father An that he posed no threat, he had recently immersed himself in hunting and leisure.
Mentor Hua Yuan, however, took the matter seriously.
“Do not lose yourself in enjoyment and neglect your studies and duties.”
The Young Boy could only offer a helpless smile, daring not to meet the disappointment in Hua Yuan’s eyes.
Currently, without sufficient wings of his own, he had to rely on An. Just a sneeze from An sent shivers down his spine, sending his mind racing.
The only consolation was that after the upheaval, Hua Yuan remained the only one treating him normally.
Due to its rarity, that was indeed precious.
The Young Boy kept an eye on how Hua Yuan treated him, naturally growing to trust and respect him even more.
As he stared at the game hanging from the back of his horse, an idea struck him, causing the corners of his lips to curve upward, his eyes crescent-shaped with laughter gleaming within. His face, though still youthful, had already developed an impressive demeanor.
Anyone who saw this outstanding Young Boy in the wilderness might mistakenly believe they were gazing upon a beautiful spirit.
“Today’s luck is quite good.”
This season wasn’t ideal for hunting; the game had just survived the winter, and their flesh was thin, lacking the plumpness of autumn.
However, the game caught today was quite decent, with glossy and beautiful pelts. The Young Boy planned to select the best and prepare it as a gift for Hua Yuan.
His personal servant, however, was internally cursing his luck.
“What luck? We’re completely soaked…”
The Young Boy lifted his gaze to the raindrops falling from the eaves, the moss glistening a vibrant green. Though the weather at that moment couldn’t be deemed beautiful, it did not dampen the Young Boy’s cheerful spirit. He smiled, “We just encountered a cabin right after the rain; isn’t that lucky?”
Hunters would often venture into the mountains, and if fortune favored them, they could return the same day; if not, they might have to wait days crouched in the forest.
To facilitate their activities, they would build these temporary wooden cabins for travelers to rest.
With a carefree heart, the Young Boy didn’t feel out of place with the rain.
His servant took down a wine pouch from the horse’s back and offered it to the Young Boy.
“Young Master, have some wine to warm yourself, lest you catch a chill.”
The rain had come suddenly, and though everyone had rushed to find cover, they still got somewhat drenched, their clothes and hair damp.
Given the Young Boy’s noble status, if he fell ill due to his servant’s negligence, it would be bad news for all involved.
Seeing the Young Boy gulping the wine pouch, the servant finally felt at ease and turned to fetch a set of clean clothes.
Though small, the cabin was well-equipped, with plenty of dry firewood, perfect for making a fire and heating water for the Young Boy to bathe.
The Young Boy waved his hand, “Just set the clothes aside; I’ll change later. I don’t feel like moving right now.”
“Understood!”
The servant placed the clothes within the Young Boy’s reach, respectfully retreating to guard nearby.
Whether it was the Young Boy’s weak tolerance for alcohol or the particularly fine quality of the wine today, he polished off the pouch quickly, his porcelain-like cheeks flushed with tipsiness, a pleasant buzz clouding his mind. Before long, a faint rosy hue spread across his otherwise fair cheeks, radiating a typical youthful vigor. Initially, he paid no mind, but soon he felt something unusual—a familiar yet strange heat building within, making his skin burn hot, prompting him to loosen his collar to cool down.
This feeling…
Frustration bubbled up within the Young Boy.
“What’s going on with this wine?”
His servant, hearing the commotion, came over, astonished.
“Young Master, wasn’t this wine sent by Teacher Hua Yuan?”
The Young Boy suddenly remembered something, his expression slightly off-kilter.
It turned out this wine had been procured by one of his concubines and gifted to him.
Knowing it was rare fine wine, the Young Boy had eagerly given it to Hua Yuan, who had been busy with military supplies and hadn’t rested for days. Without a moment to savor the wine, he had let the Young Boy take most of it back. In other words, the problematic wine was likely a scheme devised by the Young Boy’s concubine. Realizing this, the Young Boy’s cheeks burned with embarrassment and anger.
Women in the inner quarters really would do anything to curry favor.
Thank goodness the teacher hadn’t drunk it. If he had, who knew what kind of joke would have come of it.
The Young Boy’s complexion shifted from white to blue to purple, ultimately settling into a deep scowl.
The servant was perceptive; although unaware of the specifics, he seized the opportunity to flatter.
“Young Master appears weary; how about resting inside for a while?”
The Young Boy felt awkward inside but nodded in agreement externally.
Just when he was about to rise, a sudden stiffness seized him—neither getting up nor staying seated felt right, leaving him in quite the awkward position.
Having lost his innocence at thirteen, the past two years, his adoptive father An had prepared two smart and pretty concubines for him to learn the ways of the world.
With these experiences under his belt, he now understood what bodily changes indicated, intensifying his embarrassment.
He awkwardly tightened his legs, but his attire today was rather fitted, making his reaction more apparent.
The astute servant caught sight of the Young Boy’s predicament, their understanding mutual.
Flushed with shame and frustration, the Young Boy bolted into the cabin, closing the door with a loud clatter.
This cabin served hunters as a resting place, simple yet effective in shielding from wind and rain.
With guards outside, few ordinary hunters could intrude. The Young Boy cast a glance downward at his condition, his face turning increasingly grim.
The clever servant quietly inquired, “Young Master, do you need someone?”
“Not for now. Let’s hold off.”
The Young Boy replied in a husky voice, every breath burning with heat.
The fellow hunters accompanying him were all young men, with no women present.
If he were to call someone, it would naturally be a younger, handsome servant. In this lax atmosphere, many would not mind such company; for instance, numerous noble families had book boys by their side, who not only tended to their masters’ daily needs but also occasionally warmed their beds.
