What an Audacious and Sly Servant! - Chapter 40

CHAPTER 40 – TSUNDERE

The incident where Seventh Young Master Mei was drove out of the palace by the Crown Prince, in less than a night, it was known by many.

Although the Emperor in the Crown Prince’s stead had brought back Mei Qian Deng into the palace early morning on the second day, everyone felt that the Crown Prince already had a knot in his heart towards the Mei family. Maybe he wouldn’t heavily use Mei family anymore.

Because all the people who were used to the muddy waters of the imperial court knew the Crown Prince’s bad temper. He was modest and amiable on the surface. Without exception, he pursued perfection in works as well as towards himself too. The past where the Empress pray for son was for him wouldn’t affect his life yet it eventually became the blood for mosquitoes on the wall of his heart.

When he met Mei Qian Deng, Crown Prince couldn’t stop himself from remembering that one bowl of extremely valuable Chun Yang Spring water.

It couldn’t be that without that Mei family’s Chun Yang Spring, they wouldn’t be able to give birth him this perfect Crown Prince?

Utterly preposterous.

Sure enough, a few days had passed when a news was announced from the palace. It said that the Emperor added another study partner for the Crown Prince. This time, it was the Martial Arts Alliance Leader’s son. Rumour said that the addition of another study partner was suggested by the Crown Prince. Hence, this group of imperial court people started to ponder a certain monarch’s idea.

That time, when the Emperor choose Mei family’s young master to enter the palace as the study partner, his intention was glaringly obvious. It was to draw the jianghu forces to work for the imperial family, to help the Crown Prince wield power for great cause and build up foundation for the future. Now that the Crown Prince had a gap with the Mei family, naturally they had to change their trusted subordinate.

At the same time, ever since Young Master Mei entered the palace, the Mei family’s fame had grew larger. Although the jianghu was not like the imperial court, it was still a place of fame and gain. It was hard to say that deep in the Martial Arts Alliance Leader’s heart he didn’t envy the Mei family. Now that Zhao Mo Ran was summoned to enter the palace to be the Crown Prince’s study partner with Seventh Young Master Mei, naturally it was a very good thing.

Chu Xun was currently sitting upright and still while below him Zhao Mo Ran in black clothes was kneeling.

“Caomin Zhao Mo Ran pays respect to Your Highness Crown Prince.” Zhao Mo Ran had serene air and deep in his eyes they carried a vagrant sense. Looking at him, he seemed to mature earlier than his peers, making others felt this person was quite hard to pin down. (Peers? Are you referring to this Crown Prince? Author, are you saying this Crown Prince childish?)

Unexpectedly, His Highness Crown Prince coldly snorted and said, “Do all you jianghupeople like to wear black silk clothes?”

“……”

Zhao Mo Ran was dumbfounded for a short while. Later, he regained himself and replied with a smile, “So Seventh Young Master Mei also like to wear this type of cloth too? Caomin had been a soul brother with Seventh Young Master Mei for a long time. Of course we will have a common interest.”

Chu Xun suddenly felt weird. He somehow couldn’t like Zhao Mo Ran this person yet he had to treat him with due respect. He weakly said, “You’re a man so it’s inconvenient to stay in the palace. I will let people to bring you to purchase a place to stay in the capital.”

“Your Highness Crown Prince, caomin will so bold as to ask, isn’t Seventh Young Master Mei staying inside the palace?”

Chu Xun’s forehead throbbed. He perfunctorily replied, “He’s different.”

Zhao Mo Ran was a courageous person as he pursued relentlessly, “May caomin know what’s the difference between Seventh Young Master Mei and caomin?” He pushed down the edge of his lips, “Aren’t we both men?”

“……” The Crown Prince lost his words. For a moment he didn’t know how to answer.

Inside his heart two tongues of flame slowly yet unexpectedly grew. What’s wrong with this world? Why all that enter the palace are those boorish and audacious servants? Does this Crown Prince looks so friendly until you all climb over my head and revolt?

“If Your Highness feels there is no difference, caomin earnestly request Your Highness to let Zhao Mo Ran stay at the same place with Seventh Young Master Mei.”

Actually, it wasn’t impossible to let Mei Qian Deng that boor to move out and stay outside. All day long seeing her really caused him to be vexed. However, Chu Xun was confused for an instant, in his heart he was still unwilling to let that person go. Waving his hand, he impatiently said, “Mei Qian Deng stays inside the palace because he still have other works. It’s inconvenient to tell you. Leave first, you just need to report yourself at the Sheng Ren Hall during the morning class every day.”

“Yes.”

Although Zhao Mo Ran’s wish to eat and stay together with Mei Qian Deng was not fulfilled, this young man was still very happy. When he went out and closed the door, he showed off Zhao family’s fancy scissors hands[1]. When he turned around, planning to take a step to come down, he saw Mei Qian Deng came from the corridor.

The chivalrous youth, valiant and heroic in bearing.

The happiness in Zhao Mo Ran’s eyes thickened. With a simple qinggong, wind grew under his feet. In a flash, he had arrived beside Mei Qian Deng.

“Seventh Mei!”

When Mei Qian Deng saw Zhao Mo Ran, her face was calm. She only took half a step backward to distance them and with her fist cupped said, “Brother Zhao.”

“Previously, you’re so polite with me, calling me Young Master Zhao. Now, you’re willing to call me by brotherly address, it really make this brother extremely happy!”

“……”

Mei Qian Deng’s head crooked a little. She was sceptical. I don’t think I’m friendly with Young Master Zhao though? Why is he so fervent every time?

She had just wanted to tell Zhao Mo Ran that he had thought too much when suddenly the Crown Prince Chu Xun had unknowingly stood at the doorstep of the main. Both his eyes were like torches. With a commanding presence, he shouted in high level tone, “Mei——Qian——Deng——come over here for this Crown Prince!” After roaring, he even shoot a glance at Zhao Mo Ran as a warning.

This is my people, don’t touch arbitrarily.

Mei Qian Deng was taciturn and docile as she cupped her hands to say goodbye at Zhao Mo Ran. Then she went to Chu Xun’s side.

Ever since the Martial Arts Alliance Leader’s son entered the palace, the Crown Prince’s aura had a tiny change.

Usually, this situation would occur: Zhao Mo Ran looked at Mei Qian Deng, Chu Xun stared at Zhao Mo Ran, Di Mu Yang observing Chu Xun. Only Mei Qian Deng seriously and properly listened to Senior Official Song’s class.

Senior Official Song was a quick-witted old man. The beaming, small eyes turned one round when he had things cleared up in his heart. With a loud voice, he aimed at the Crown Prince, “Your Highness Crown Prince! Please listen properly to the class! Let laofu test you, how to interpret heavy eyes this term?”

Chu Xun, “……” Senior Official Song, why do you roar at me only? Look at Zhao Mo Ran, he too doesn’t listen properly to the class.

Senior Official Song returned Chu Xun with a sharp eyes signal: Zhao Mo Ran is study partner. That person only need to accompany you to class.

Chu Xun secretly grudged: That person heavily disturb my study!

Suddenly, Mei Qian Deng’s face appeared huge in Chu Xun’s eyes. She moved closer and very seriously told him, “Crown Prince, when not enough sleep from worry, eyes usually are droopy. Hence, the term derived from the word fish because the fish’s eyes usually never close.”

Crown Prince grinded his teeth. Who want you to tell me?! You think this genius Crown Prince will not know the meaning of this stupid term?

With such vicious cycle, in a few days, Chu Xun’s pretty face had pimples appeared again. The biggest pimple appeared at the tip of his nose, it was extremely comical to look at. Xiao Jing Zi hastily pulled over Mei Qian Deng. Last time, the prescription to treat pimple that Mei Qian Deng gave to Chu Xun was very effective. Chu Xun naturally unable to put down his pride to ask for the medicine. Thankfully, Xiao Jing Zi was a considerate little cotton-padded jacket.

Coincidentally, Zhao Mo Ran was with Mei Qian Deng.

Zhao Mo Ran said, “My family has a secret family prescription to treat pimple too. Why not give it to His Highness Crown Prince to have a try? See which one is more effective?”

Xiao Jing Zi indistinctly aware of His Highness Crown Prince’s unknown hostility towards Young Master Zhao. He didn’t dare to reply as he seek help from Mei Qian Deng. Mei Qian Deng didn’t take notice of it, she only wrote the prescription on a paper to let Xiao Jing Zi get the medicine from the imperial physician bureau himself. She didn’t even notice Xiao Jing Zi’s plea.

Zhao Mo Ran said to Mei Qian Deng, “Seventh Brother, this brother had entered the palace for a few days but seems to be still have a sense of distance with His Highness Crown Prince. Can you come with me to make a cream cleanser and gift it to His Highness Crown Prince to relieve his worry? At the same time, I can get closer to His Highness Crown Prince. Can you?”

“Crown Prince is not friendly with everyone. It’s his nature. You don’t have to be concern of it.”

“Seventh Brother, are you indirectly rejecting my request?”

Mei Qian Deng had no other choice, “…… How do you want me to help?”

“Easy, just assist this brother as a helper.”

Xiao Jing Zi carried Mei family’s special pimple removing soup into Chu Xun’s room. Chu Xun feigned asking accidentally, “Where’s Mei Qian Deng?”

“Replying to Your Highness, Young Master Mei and Young Master Zhao are making medicine at the imperial physician bureau. They said they wanted to make a cream cleanser to remove pimples. Wherever the pimple grows, just need to smear it on that place.”

“Who want them be busybodies?! Bring back Mei Qian Deng to here for this Crown Prince!”

(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

Quickly, Xiao Jing Zi had returned, “Your Highness Crown Prince, nucai have already bring Young Master Mei over. He’s waiting outside.”

Chu Xun immediately jumped upward like a skyrocket. He jumped to the writing table and pretended to flipping a book, “En, let him enter then.”

Mei Qian Deng entered. She saw the Crown Prince was currently reading book so attentively that even his eyelids didn’t even move. With the original thought that she must not carelessly offend the Crown Prince, she decided to remain silent. She only silently waited beside Chu Xun’s writing table, waiting for Chu Xun to issue order.

However, in reality, His Highness Crown Prince didn’t even look properly a single word.

He would sweep two lines of words, shoot a glance at Mei Qian Deng, sweep another two lines of words and then shoot a glance again at Mei Qian Deng. Mei Qian Deng somewhat aware of it, she suspiciously turned her head to look at Chu Xun. He quickly raised the book to cover up his whole face.

Mei Qian Deng, “……”

After half a day, it was time for Mei Qian Deng to practise sword arts. She couldn’t hold herself from opening her mouth, “If Crown Prince has no matter I will go practise sword arts then.”

Chu Xun put down the book and stood up, “It’s been awhile since you guide this Crown Prince in the sword arts.”

“Crown Prince, you’re not angry of me anymore?”

A certain person bristled at once, “Who’s so free to be angry of you?!”

Female warrior Mei’s usually calm small face had a tinge of billows, “Then why at that time you want to drive me out of the palace?”

“That, that’s because, because……”

“Chun Yang Spring water is nothing more than a legend……”

“It’s not because of this!” Chu Xun stomp his foot.

“Then why do you want to drive me out of the palace?”

Chu Xun suddenly blushed. It was not known whether it was due to anger. He darted his eyes around and finally slapped the table, “I’m not practising sword arts anymore, you go by yourself!” Chu Xun left the work table, chased Mei Qian Deng out.

“……” Mei Qian Deng looked back, the meaning in her eyes were still the same: Why you want to drive me out of the palace?

Why did he want to drive Mei Qian Deng out of the palace?

Chu Xun admitted in his heart, it was him being too rash.

At that time, someone intentionally spread the old matter of the Empress asking for a son, to damage the relationship between the Crown Prince and Mei Qian Deng. Chu Xun was indeed avert such matter in the beginning. He thought of tying up both Mei Qian Deng and the little guy who spread the matter to beat them up. But after a deeper thought, the imperial palace was this dangerous, the road from a Crown Prince to a nation’s monarch was filled with thorns and thistles. Was Mei Qian Deng really suitable to walk down this road with him?

Chu Xun was afraid.

At that time when he locked himself inside the big bedroom of his in the Ming Jue Palace, he thought of future mishaps. Today, the spreading rumour was just someone giving small demonstration of his impressive skill. If it couldn’t destroy the relationship between the Crown Prince and Mei family, in the future those people harbouring dishonourable ideas would dig various type of holes to let Mei Qian Deng jump into them, to shove Mei Qian Deng down.

Chu Xun was very afraid.

He was afraid of massacre, afraid of people beside him sacrificing themselves for his emperor cause, afraid of losing them.

Hence, Imperial Father told him, for the owner of the land, the biggest taboo was being too emotional.

He drove Mei Qian Deng out of the palace, only wishing to cut this tie before their bond got too strong. Not letting Mei Qian Deng and Mei family to be involved with the imperial court was one of the disputes. It also made him confused for days.

En?

What was he confused about for days?

(Chu Xun: This Crown Prince’s confusion, what does it have to do with you all?!)

[A Mini Theatre]

On a certain day, Xiao Jing Zi was gossiping with Zhu Li, bashfully he said, “His Highness Crown Prince is very weird, always staring at me and even touches my small hand.”

Zhu Li, “F*ck! He had never even touch my hand!” The girl resentfully left and complained to the other beauties in Ming Jue Palace, “Does His Highness Crown Prince receive any stimulus recently? Why is he interested with Xiao Jing Zi?”

Beauty A, “It can’t be, His Highness Crown Prince’s taste is this heavy?”

Beauty B, “I just remembered. Two days ago, I even saw His Highness Crown Prince flirting with Little General Di.”

“Aren’t they exchanging martial moves? His Highness had always wish to defeat Little Young Master Mei.”

“When we exchange martial moves, do we need to pull hand, touch face and hug?! It’s just minus the kissing alright?!”

In the middle of the night, Mo Biao descended from the roof to Zhu Li’s bed, “Sister, let me tell you, you must never share this with others. Two days ago, His Highness Crown Prince secretly read The Eighteen Forms of Homosexual under the quilt.”

The next day.

Zhu Li was gossiping again with Xiao Jing Zi, “Xiao Jing Zi, I’m telling you this but you must never share this with others.”

“En!”

“His Highness Crown Prince possibly likes men.”

On the third day, the whole Ming Jue Palace had a stagnant and panicky atmosphere.

[1] May be just a simple ‘peace’ sign with hand or like a certain Kamen Rider style where he crossed his hands in front of his chest.