Chapter Thirty-Nine: Unwilling to Name the Chapter

"Ah! It hurts, it hurts!"
"Young master! What's wrong?"
"Hualiang? Quick, open the door!"

Yu Hualiang had just been practicing a few moves with Cao Zhiling, startling the two people outside who had no idea what was happening. Cao Zhiling withdrew his hand, and Yu Hualiang rubbed his shoulder, saying, "I'm fine... don't worry."

A-Liu was crying outside, which made Yu Hualiang feel guilty. He signaled Cao Zhiling to hide, tidied his clothes, and opened the door.

"Hualiang..." A-Liu immediately threw himself into Yu Hualiang's arms, weeping again.
"What's wrong? Why are you ignoring me..."
Yu Hualiang raised a hand to gently stroke his head, comforting him, "I'm alright... don't worry, I was just sitting alone in my room."
"Young master, your hand!" Mo Cai exclaimed with concern.

Only then did Yu Hualiang notice his own hand, bruised and mottled with blue and purple marks. Cao Zhiling really hadn't held back—he felt sorry for himself. A-Liu gently held his hand, teary-eyed, "Hualiang, if you must, then hit me, but don't hurt yourself."
"Uh..." Yu Hualiang withdrew his hand, saying, "It's nothing, I just bumped it carelessly. Stop crying, you look like you're mourning for me."

A-Liu bit his lip, holding back tears. Yu Hualiang couldn't stand it; he tickled him until he laughed, finally lifting his spirits. Once A-Liu was happy again, he hugged Yu Hualiang tightly, "Hualiang... I'm just glad you're alright. But what really happened that night?"

The mention of that night made Yu Hualiang tense up. The smile faded from his face, and he looked as though he didn't want to talk about it. A-Liu saw this and didn't press further. "If you don't want to say, I won't ask. Just rest well."
"Mm," Yu Hualiang nodded and closed the door again.

Back inside, he was about to call Cao Zhiling down to continue their training, but Cao Zhiling pointed outside. Yu Hualiang turned to see the two of them eavesdropping at the door. He smiled, picked up a brush, and casually painted a plum blossom.

It was the first time Cao Zhiling had seen him paint—a beautiful sight...
Clad in a blue robe, brush moving gracefully, long hair loosely draped and swaying at his waist, jade-like fingers guiding the brush, creating a masterpiece with every stroke.
His face was as fair as congealed jade, the light from the window shining upon him, as if he were bathed in a gentle glow, dreamlike and ethereal.
He set the brush aside, waiting for the ink to dry so he could mount the painting. Feeling bored, he poured himself some water, but the cup slipped and spilled over the painting.
Yu Hualiang hurried to wipe it with his sleeve, making Cao Zhiling laugh—he really was too clumsy.

After a long time with no sound from within, Mo Cai looked at A-Liu, "It's awfully quiet."
A-Liu bit his lip, thinking, "But if Hualiang is still talking to someone, am I hearing things?"
Mo Cai snapped, "Are you afraid the young master is hiding someone? All this time and you still don't know? Even I can see how much he likes you."
"I'm just worried about Hualiang..." A-Liu replied with a smile.
Mo Cai continued, "Don't worry. The Seventh Prince is pursuing the young master, but I think the young master is hiding from him."
"Then isn't it dangerous for Hualiang to stay here?" A-Liu asked anxiously.
"Relax, the Seventh Prince loves our young master and wouldn't hurt him. Besides, the young master's heart is only for you..."

Listening behind the door, Yu Hualiang couldn't help but laugh—Mo Cai truly was his loyal aide!
Once the two outside had quieted down, Cao Zhiling came down, expressionless, "Do you really have feelings for your servant?"
"What servant? They're my friends," Yu Hualiang retorted.

Cao Zhiling clarified, "That A-Liu."
Yu Hualiang was silent for a while before replying, "It's just guilt."
He had often wanted to confess that he wasn't really Yu Hualiang, but every time he saw A-Liu's expression, he swallowed the words.
No matter what, he was inhabiting Yu Hualiang's body, and Yu Hualiang had died for A-Liu. How could he just send A-Liu away?
Wouldn't that be too cruel? Besides, their relationship now was like family, and he thought there was nothing wrong with that.

Seeing Yu Hualiang didn't want to talk any more, Cao Zhiling didn't press him further but pulled him up to continue the lesson.
"Ouch, ouch, could you be a little gentler?"
Cao Zhiling was teaching him how to subdue an enemy in one move. With only the two of them in the room, Yu Hualiang could only serve as the target.
Lying on the bed, Yu Hualiang felt miserable—clearly, there was no shortcut to mastering martial arts.
Now, he was so sore he couldn't even move a finger. Cao Zhiling went to prepare some medicine, and Yu Hualiang, parched, eyed the teapot on the table.
Too lazy to move, he called out, "Hey, could you pour me a cup of water?"
Cao Zhiling, busy with the medicine, replied offhandedly, "A true martial artist possesses an indomitable spirit, even in death. If you can't endure hardship, no matter how skilled you become, you'll only die a dog's death."
Yu Hualiang had no energy to argue. He rolled his eyes, sat up, and shuffled over to the chair.
He tried to pour himself tea, but his trembling hands wouldn't cooperate.
Perhaps out of guilt, Cao Zhiling, after finishing the medicine, came over to pour him a cup of water.
Yu Hualiang was pleased—at least he cared a little. He clutched the cup and sipped.
Cao Zhiling seemed to pity him, even massaging his shoulders for him.
Cao Zhiling's technique was good; Yu Hualiang felt like an emperor being pampered. At ease, he asked,
"Hey, do you not hate me anymore?"
Cao Zhiling's hands paused. His face darkened with deep-seated hatred, "You know nothing. My hatred is for the Seventh Prince and the Fourth Prince! I wish I could flay them alive!"
Agitated, his grip tightened, making Yu Hualiang's whole body tingle painfully, as if his bones might shatter.
Yu Hualiang quickly pressed his hand to stop him, and feeling his warmth, Cao Zhiling came back to his senses.
Yu Hualiang realized it was best to avoid such topics with him, or he'd suffer for it unintentionally.
Trying to lighten the mood, Yu Hualiang asked, "By the way, why did you only drink the wine I offered that night?"
Unfortunately, this was another sore spot. Cao Zhiling's grip tightened again, making Yu Hualiang's face pale with pain. He quickly escaped from the chair.
Rubbing his nearly broken shoulder, he muttered, "What's wrong with you... I won't ask anymore."
Cao Zhiling seemed relieved not to answer. He checked if the medicine had cooled, drank it, and Yu Hualiang silently returned to the bed.
But Cao Zhiling pulled him up again, causing his robe to fall off one shoulder, exposing fair skin already bruised and red from the rough training.
"What now?" Yu Hualiang, exhausted, was about to fall asleep when called again.
Cao Zhiling, a little embarrassed, helped him straighten his clothes, "It's time to change your dressing."
Yu Hualiang sat up and undressed, while Cao Zhiling, watching the entire process, felt his heart race uncontrollably, and abruptly turned away to fetch the medicine.
Yu Hualiang couldn't quite figure out what was wrong with him. Only as he undressed did he notice his body was covered in bruises—Cao Zhiling really hadn't held back.
He winced at the pain. Cao Zhiling brought the medicine and unwrapped the bandages; the wound seemed much better, though the scar was still unsightly.

Just as Cao Zhiling was about to apply a new bandage, he suddenly froze, dropped the bandage, and leapt up onto the beam in a flash.
Yu Hualiang knew someone was coming.
Sure enough, moments later, he heard Mo Cai's voice trying to block someone at the door.
"Guard Ye, the young master said he won't see anyone!"
Ye Fang snapped, "Who do you think he is? Refuse to see people? I'm here under the prince's orders!"
Then there was a loud pounding on the door. Yu Hualiang had no intention of opening it; he calmly began to bandage his own wound.
"Yu Hualiang, open the door! I'm here on the prince's orders."
Yu Hualiang sneered, unafraid, "Guard Ye, you can tell the prince I'm tired and will see no one!"
"Yu Hualiang, don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit! The prince is worried you have no one to care for you and has sent you a maid. Open the door and let her in!"
That would never do—if A-Liu found out, who knows what a scene he would make. Yu Hualiang refused firmly, "Thank the prince for his kindness, but my little courtyard can't house a woman!"
Ye Fang was furious, "Yu Hualiang! Don't be ungrateful!"
With that, he struck the door open with one palm. Startled, Yu Hualiang froze mid-bandage, motionless as a statue.
Ye Fang entered, saw him half-dressed, bruised all over, clearly badly injured—no wonder he'd quarreled with the Seventh Prince.
The Seventh Prince usually cherished Yu Hualiang, afraid to hurt him in the slightest, yet this time seemed to have gone too far.
The maid followed Ye Fang inside and, seeing Yu Hualiang half-naked, he quickly pulled the blanket over himself, "Miss, please step outside!"
Obediently, the maid left. Seeing Yu Hualiang in such a state, Ye Fang calmed a little.
He spoke more gently, "The Seventh Prince is worried about you. This maid has worked in the pharmacy and knows how to care for the sick..."
"Guard Ye," Yu Hualiang interrupted, "I appreciate the prince's kindness, but since you value this girl so highly, you should keep her yourself."
Ye Fang's temper flared again, "Yu Hualiang! Just you wait!"
He stormed off with the maid. Mo Cai, worried, came in to check, eyes brimming with tears, "Young master, why didn't you tell me you were so badly hurt?"
Yu Hualiang was helpless—Mo Cai had spent too much time with A-Liu and was just as prone to tears.
"It's nothing. He's gone?"
Mo Cai went to check. "Yes, young master, he's gone."
What was the Seventh Prince thinking? Wasn't he trying to force him into a relationship? Why send a woman over?
Oh, he understood now—must be another attempt at surveillance!
If the maid stayed, not only would Cao Zhiling be discovered, but A-Liu would cling to him day and night!
Wait, where was A-Liu just now? Yu Hualiang asked Mo Cai, "Where's A-Liu?"
Mo Cai replied, "He heard fish soup is good for recovery, so he went to the kitchen to get some. He's been gone a while."
Yu Hualiang nodded, but couldn't shake a feeling of unease.
"Zi Liang usually spoils you—raise your head and let me have a look."