Chapter 4

He rubbed his temple and weakly pushed open the window. Under the moonlight, the clean and handsome face of the young man revealed a hint of weariness. His eyebrows and eyelashes were as thick and delicate as those of a woman, and his long hair fell loosely. His bare feet were like those of a sprite under the moon, pure and translucent, as if his entire being was enveloped in a layer of faint radiance

What is meant by self-inflicted suffering is that one cannot live

He is no longer the Hu Tu who was once inexperienced and unrefined, yet unfortunately, Liu Ying has never waited for him to catch up.

Later, and then later still, he suffered a relapse, coughing up blood all over the ground. Liu Ying took out a pill, but he did not accept it. She was not anxious either; she simply smiled at him, gently tapping his forehead as one would with a puppy, and said with a laugh: "Hu Tu, you are indeed confused. Do you think that if you refuse to take the medicine, I will become anxious? Your life is your own; no one can live or die for you. If you are sulking with me and refuse to take the medicine I offer, I had no idea you were so childish."

Now, he can effortlessly catch these forceful projectiles.

Miss, our second young master is so weak, and when he speaks to you, you remain silent. What kind of attitude is this

Upon hearing such an opening phrase, Liu Ying could not help but shiver. Fortunately, she did not let Yu Wei know that it was she who had delivered the blow; otherwise, one could only imagine the kind of destructive force this fiercely protective young man would unleash in his anger

Injuries on the body can be easily treated, but what about the wounds of the heart

Er Shao ... ... Fish Wei wanted to refute, but upon seeing Hu Tu's gloomy and cold demeanor, all her words were swallowed back, and she did not dare to say another word

The journey has been steady and stable.

She had calculated it early on; even if the blade was coated with poison, she deliberately twisted the knife edge a bit harder when she struck. However, Hu Tu had at least half royal blood flowing through his veins. Since childhood, in order to prevent anyone from harming him, Madam Hu had raised him on poison. This little bit of poison would at most serve as a sedative; the wounds on his back should have healed after three months!

Another team has transformed into an iron-blooded army held in the palm of Hu Tu's hand, so much so that even the royal family is unaware of the existence of this shadow guard

The old servant lowered his head, his skull appearing as if it had been severed and hung from his shoulder, a sight both absurd and comical. However, from that very spot emanated a dense aura of death, mysterious enough to instill a sense of dread.

Cough... cough...

In the dead of night, Hu Tu awoke from his slumber and rose from his bed. This was an inn with a century-old reputation, and Liu Ying insisted on staying here, to which he agreed. The night air was crisp and cold, and a murky darkness enveloped the entire city. The surroundings were eerily quiet, and Hu Tu could hear the sound of his own heartbeat, slow and weak, akin to that of any long-suffering patient

The wheels rolled over the gravel, producing a sound of "grinding—grinding—" that made Liu Ying's teeth ache.

Do you remember the thatched cottage by the mountains and water? He was nine years old that year

The carriage came to a stop with a creaking sound.

He gazed into the bright eyes of the woman before him, feeling a numbness in his heart as he lost all sense of awareness

Ten years ago, they were all the most talented children selected by the Party Lin, without relatives or friends. Having endured the bloody and brutal elimination, those who survived were silent killers, all of whom knew only to obey orders as blood disciples

Liu Ying looked at Yu Wei with a slight headache, while Yu Wei looked at her with even greater fury, their words clashing sharply with one another

When he was very young, he would often be struck by these elusive hidden weapons, causing him to gasp in pain. Gradually, as his martial skills improved, it became increasingly difficult for the old servant's hidden weapons to hit him.

After leaving Jingyuan, there are not so many books available for Liu Ying to browse at any time, leading to an increase in leisure days

Liu Ying initially found it interesting, but later, upon seeing him, felt a tingling sensation on his scalp and chose to avoid him.

Although that stab was indeed perilous, the second son of the Hu family is not one to be trifled with

Yuwei is just afraid that she might suddenly strike, like beating up a thug, and end up getting herself beaten into a pulp, which would be a case of losing more than gaining

He looked at her coldly, clearly unconvinced

The old servant said lightly: "A woman with captivating beauty can bring disaster to a nation. Liu Ying has an ordinary appearance, so why is he also so enchanting?"

It is frustrating, particularly because he has delayed for three months

The wound on Hu Tu's back, three months later, still oozed bright red blood. The color of his robe was originally dark, making it hard to see clearly, yet the bloody scent inside the car grew increasingly stronger

In the garden, the trees and plants are lush and dense, he released his grip, and the green lotus seeds fell to the ground with a clatter

Especially the personal servant Yu Wei, who takes care of his daily needs, is not eating well or sleeping well. Every day, he has dark circles under his eyes resembling those of a rabbit, and when he speaks to others, his voice carries a tone of weeping.

Hu Tu looked at him, seemingly deep in thought, "Kun Nu, do not act on the master's intentions; there are many things you can do."

... ...

The young scholar frowned, let out a long sigh, and turned the scroll upside down on the table

Hu Tu lost too much blood and is unwilling to let anyone touch him. He is dragging it out without seeking treatment; it is none of her business. She is a teacher, not a doctor

Even with only half of the imperial bloodline, the inherent commanding presence has already earned genuine submission from others

Do not be deceived by her pale and frail appearance; when she strikes, it is swift, fierce, and precise

The act of striking with a projectile is a form of ambush he has been accustomed to since childhood

Inside the vast carriage, devoid of the presence of Yu Wei, only the sound of the torn fabric of Yun Ji and the slightly heavy breathing of the two remained, while the daylight streamed through the wooden lattice windows, illuminating the entire room.

"Dragged like this, and yet the bones are unharmed, it must be youth after all." She jested in a rather good mood, while the latter's expression suddenly turned stern.

Liu Ying, stifling a sense of suffocation, was too lazy to explain in detail to him, and her hands did not pause for a moment.

The garments appear ordinary, yet they are all crafted from the exquisite fabrics of Yunjifang in Muzhou. The quality is exceptional. Even if one were to cut them with scissors, it would require some effort; however, Liu Ying tears them apart with remarkable ease, as if the materials from Yunjifang were merely common blades of grass, shattering effortlessly at a single pull

Hu Tu did not respond, his gaze lightly measured the distance between him and himself, seven zhang

Liu Ying lacks compassion, has little sense of right and wrong, is impervious to reason, and resorts to corporal punishment as a primary means of discipline

After a long time, I have yet to receive a response from Hu Tu

This journey, from Shadow Guard to Shadow Assassin, has seen each one stained with the fresh blood of their comrades.

This is the truth

"Hu Tu, confusion. In life, it is rare to be confused. Your father is quite good; this name he gave you is rather fitting." Upon first meeting Liu Ying, she smiled brightly and gently patted his head, laughing joyfully. However, at merely fourteen years of age, he bore the demeanor of an old scholar, which was not pleasing at first glance

Seeing that he did not respond, she maliciously curled her lips and pressed down harder on his wound, laughing as she said: "Since you know it hurts, why drag it out? If you do not even take care of your own body, do not expect anyone else, who is neither related nor close to you, to care for you."

"Miss, our second young master..."

Liu Ying gradually forgot those hidden fears

She wanted to relax, and her subordinates became increasingly agile in their actions

Having easily cleaned the rotten flesh, he applied the golden ointment and neatly bandaged the wound with plain white gauze. Liu Ying clapped his hands, quickly cleaned them, and smiled as he patted the young man's handsome face, saying, "Do not let it touch water until it heals."

An emperor, after all, is still an emperor

The second best is not to know each other, thus one can avoid longing for one another

The Xiqiu site, the place that Liu Ying has been longing for.

If you still refuse to comply, it will result in the sharp crack of bamboo strips striking your palm

Hu Tu did not respond, silently watching the yellow sand swirling outside the car window, dust rising high, with enormous city walls standing tall in the distance... After a journey of three months, it was finally nearing its end

Hu Tu's gaze fixed on the arm that had just been lightly touched by the fish, a surge of anger rising within him. He quickly averted his eyes, his tone imbued with an indescribable gloom, "I thought that even if I were to die, you would not care. Since that is the case, why bother to help me heal my wounds"

The incense wafts as bare feet tread, completely unaware of the chilling presence encroaching upon them

On that day, Liu Ying leaned against the car window, the mingled scent of medicine and blood continuously invading her nostrils. She turned her head, opened her mouth, and took several deep breaths; yet, as her nostrils flared, the oppressive feeling in her chest did not dissipate, but rather became more constricted.

Liu Ying's dagger was slender and sharp, glinting in the light, transparent like the wings of a cicada

He knew that she was extremely cold-hearted, never interfering in others' affairs, but upon encountering such a her for the first time, he couldn't help but be taken aback and instinctively swallowed the medicine obediently

Afflicted by a chronic illness, he coughed up blood onto a handkerchief, the spots resembling red plums. He had once vowed to live this life alone, accompanied only by his indifference, yet upon meeting Liu Ying, everything changed. It would have been best not to know each other; thus, one could avoid longing for one another.

Hu Tu, barefoot on the ground, had eyes darker than most, resembling the night. His emaciated frame was strikingly beautiful, evoking a sense of pity. With a casual glance, he swept his gaze towards the person outside the window, who suddenly shivered in surprise

Yu Wei had long found her displeasing, and upon seeing her, she immediately let out a sharp scream and scolded loudly: "Miss, it is still broad daylight, you! You are shameless, you have torn the Second Young Master's clothes, what do you intend to do?!"

His complexion is poor, and the group of servants around him looks even worse.

The servant attending to Hu Tu assumed that she was about to disembark to relieve herself, and hurriedly signaled the driver to stop.

As the night deepens, memories fade, and all that meets the eye is a profound, inky darkness

She stood up from the carriage, not looking at anyone else, suddenly pressing one hand on Hu Tu's thin shoulder and tearing his clothes apart.

In order to protect Liu Ying, Hu Tu did not hesitate to deploy this shadow guard to ensure Liu Ying's safety

"Miss, our second young master has been injured like this, and the crucian carp soup is for nourishing the blood. Why are you drinking so much of it?"

He originally thought that no one in this world understood the taste of being so close to the underworld, but upon hearing her words, he couldn't help but be taken aback. She knew his feelings; she knew everything.

"I am your teacher, and you are my student. Do you find this unacceptable?" She smiled sweetly, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes exceptionally bright. "In life, there are distinctions of rank, predetermined by fate. Do you accept this? There are differences in social status among people; if you do not accept it, you must seek a way to change it. From the very beginning, although there are distinctions in status, there is no difference between the noble and the humble; there is only a difference in talent and diligence. My knowledge surpasses yours, and I am older than you; it is only natural for you to address me as 'teacher.' From the very beginning, although there are distinctions in status, there is no difference between the noble and the humble; there is only a difference in talent and diligence. My knowledge surpasses yours, and I am older than you; it is only natural for you to address me as 'teacher.' Are you still unconvinced?"

She smiled, "Isn't this just the way it is? Life is only one, and even if it is lived in a state of mere survival, after all, it is still living. Living is certainly better than being dead..." As she spoke these words, he noticed her voice suddenly lowered.

At the thought of this, his chest suddenly tightened, and he coughed with a heart-wrenching intensity

The voice of Hu Tu was light and decisive, "Not seen."

The blue garment was torn to shreds on the ground, raising scattered dust, and the stench of blood immediately mingled with the odor of decay

Prince Shenyang—Yun Ting will soon arrive at Tianfeng

The journey is long and arduous; occasionally passing through bustling cities, she would also take a stroll when feeling particularly bored

She punishes others with a smile, presenting an entirely harmless appearance, yet the strength in her wrist shows no sign of relaxation whatsoever

Regarding Liu Ying, he was so persistent that it bordered on obsession

In the astonished expression of the old servant, Hu Tu made a gesture of killing with his hand. The latter understood immediately, his expression instantly sobering, he bowed slightly, and with a few swift movements, disappeared into the vast night.

The old man sighed: "She is indifferent, why do you suffer?"

Brush

With a frown, Hu Tu cast a cold, piercing glance at him and said, "Get down."

These blood disciples, one of the teams, became the Shadow Killers, pledging allegiance to the Eastern Xia royal family

Liu Ying furrowed her brows, the wound on the young man's shoulder was rotting and blackened, the flesh and blood a muddled mess, contrasting starkly against his snow-white back, creating an indescribable horror. She examined the wound, her fingers twitched slightly, she drew out a small knife, deftly slicing away the necrotic flesh, and soon a look of relief appeared on her face

Hu Tu detected the murderous intent towards Liu Ying in his tone. He suddenly raised his head, his gaze piercing with a chilling light, and sternly reprimanded: "How dare you!"

Her temperament was so poor that, at the beginning, he truly did not take any liking to her

Apart from eating, drinking, and other basic needs, she remained entirely confined in the car at all other times

... ...

Is the young master troubled again about the matter of the young lady

The daylight cascades down from the ochre clouds, while the strong winds howl past, swirling with dust and sand. The official road is flanked by desolation, with only scattered patches of green accentuating the increasingly barren and desolate northern plains.

Such a powerful and formidable expert appears before Hu Tu like a child who has done something wrong

Only upon seeing him now did I realize that the injury on his shoulder not only had not healed, but had instead rotted to this extent, indicating that he had indulged in strong liquor, beef, mutton, and spicy foods quite frequently

His long and powerful fingers intentionally or unintentionally tapped on the mahogany window frame. Suddenly, the sound of the wind tightened, and he made a sweeping motion with his right hand, as if grasping something in the air, clenching it into a fist. A stooped black shadow appeared mysteriously in front of the window, cackling, "Young Master, why are you not sleeping in the middle of the night?"

... ...

The enforcement of the law is indeed ruthless and relentless, akin to cockroaches that infiltrate every nook and cranny. However, the shadow guards of Hu Tu are equally formidable, as they unfurl a protective net that seems to be woven into substance, wielding the intent of a sharp blade, mercilessly tearing apart all who stand in their way

Since Liu Ying once beat up several local bullies who forcibly seized women in a bustling market, Yu Wei has been somewhat afraid of her

The old servant was taken aback for a moment, then his eyes brightened, and in a low voice, he said: "What you mean is ... ... "

Clearly spoken in a gentle tone, yet it resonates like the thunder that shakes the heavens, exuding a chilling aura

Her pale, thin lips were pressed tightly together, and her expression was indifferent, as if the flesh and blood she had shed were of no concern to her

Sometimes he does not even know what exactly he is being paranoid about, the azure sky is distant, yet the yellow springs are within reach

Liu Ying knew that if he spoke out, this kid might go off the rails. He shrugged his shoulders, looking innocent, and said, "If you're hurt, then treat it. That's the principle. I'll help you heal your wounds; there's no need for so much nonsense."

The meaning of "二少" is ... ...

The shadow of ink emerged from the darkness, bending down to pick up the green lotus seeds. The aged, hoarse voice was somewhat distorted as it spoke slowly: "Just to inform you, Qing'er has returned to the city. He wishes to meet you"

It is best not to meet at all, for then we would not fall in love

... ...

Rest assured, your family's second young master is very innocent

Liu Ying observed his frowning expression, not lifting her eyelids even slightly, and asked in a slow voice, "Does it hurt?" Although she asked this, her actions did not show any sign of slowing down.

Do not get it wet before it heals

If not treated soon, the stench in the carriage will become increasingly severe

Fish's face turned red with anger, displaying a heartbroken expression as if the reputation of the second young master was at stake. She shrank into the corner and said in a trembling voice: "The laws of Dongxia clearly stipulate that coercion, rape, and theft are serious crimes..."

Such days have finally come to an end on an afternoon

The further north one goes, the more the yellow sand swirls across the ground

If you do not cherish yourself, neither friends nor relatives will show you any compassion

Hu Tu detests it the most when she brings up "age" as an issue, and her expression immediately darkens, letting out a cold snort from her nostrils