Chapter Sixteen: The So-Called Way of Men, Heh

The Seventh Prince smiled with satisfaction, reaching out to adjust Yu Hualiang’s robe, saying, “Ziliang, you’d best hurry inside now, don’t catch a chill.”
In that instant, Yu Hualiang thought, if the Seventh Prince weren’t so fond of men, he would make a fine friend.
With that thought, he relaxed his guard and smiled, “Thank you, Zicheng.”
His smile made the entire courtyard pale in comparison, setting the Seventh Prince’s heart aflame with longing.
Unable to restrain himself, the prince reached out, intending to touch Yu Hualiang’s face, but withdrew his hand midway, his gaze reflecting the warmth of Yu Hualiang’s smile.
As if remembering something, he said, “Ziliang, hurry inside. I’ll have someone heat water for your bath, and later, we’ll pick out two maids for you.”
The mention of maids made Yu Hualiang instantly happy, but recalling Ayu’s tearful eyes, he swallowed and steeled himself to refuse.
“...Maids... are unnecessary. Mo Cai is enough.”
The Seventh Prince nodded thoughtfully. “Very well, as Ziliang wishes.”
After a pause, Yu Hualiang, looking troubled, said, “Zi...cheng, I don’t want maids, but could Ayu come instead?”
The prince’s gaze turned cold, sharp as a blade, then softened as though melting into water. He smiled, “Of course.”
Yu Hualiang breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Zicheng.”
“That’s enough thanks, Ziliang. I’ll have someone bring him over soon. Do you have clothes?”
Only then did Yu Hualiang remember, “I thought the prince's residence would have painter’s attire...”
“No matter, I’ll have Ye Fang bring a set.”
“Than—” Yu Hualiang’s thanks were cut short by the prince’s pointed look, leaving him awkwardly silent.
After a few more words, the Seventh Prince departed for his duties. Yu Hualiang realized this courtyard was much closer to the prince’s own than those of his wives and concubines.
Mo Cai, having fetched servant’s clothes from Ye Fang, returned and marveled at the beauty of the courtyard.
“Master!” Mo Cai watched him with shining eyes.
Yu Hualiang, wrapped in a quilt, said, “Close the door!”
“Oh, oh! Master, I’m just so excited. The Seventh Prince treats you so well.”
Yu Hualiang poked his head out of the quilt. “How so?”
Mo Cai looked incredulous. “Don’t you know? This is the prince’s private courtyard. Besides the prince, only the princess can live here.”
Hearing this, Yu Hualiang felt goosebumps rise. It seemed the Seventh Prince was indeed overly attentive...
There must be some ulterior motive...
Mo Cai had just finished helping Yu Hualiang bathe when Ye Fang came with the clothes, his expression cold and disapproving.
He resembled a wolf caged, baring its teeth in low growls, unable to bite.
Yu Hualiang felt a chill and said, “Thank you.”
He held a set of white silk, exquisitely embroidered with beautiful flowers, and took the clothes.
Ye Fang sneered, “Hmph, Yu Hualiang, why pretend to be polite with a mere servant like me?”
Yu Hualiang paused, sensing a hidden meaning.
Mo Cai protested, “How can you speak that way! My master is kind to everyone!”
Yu Hualiang asked, “What do you mean?”
Ye Fang looked up, his eyes burning with fire. “Nothing. If I say more, I’ll end up like the prince’s guard.”

Yu Hualiang grew uneasy, realizing Ye Fang was sympathizing with the guard. He dressed and said, “You’re upset because I punished that guard, aren’t you?”
“You truly are ruthless, Master Yu. Ye Fang is but a servant and shouldn’t speak out, but if you ever harm the prince, I will not spare you!” Ye Fang, furious, slammed the door and left.
Unable to bear the injustice, Yu Hualiang chased after him, shouting, “Stop!”
Ye Fang, convinced Yu Hualiang was a scoundrel, mocked, “What now, Master Yu? Want to accuse me, too?”
“I don’t understand your meaning! That guard insulted my clothes and barred me entry, even cursed me. Should I have endured it? It was a minor punishment, just a few strokes! You people in the prince’s residence really are delicate!”
Ye Fang could no longer hold back. He turned and glared angrily, shouting, “Minor punishment? You think the Seventh Prince will spare him? For disrespecting you, he’ll have his eyes gouged out!”
Yu Hualiang’s mind buzzed. Ye Fang continued, “That poor guard has family depending on him!”
“Where is the Seventh Prince?” Yu Hualiang asked coldly.
Ye Fang was startled. “What will you do?”
Yu Hualiang apologized, “I’m going to beg the prince for mercy for the guard. I’m sorry—I underestimated the severity of his punishment...”
“What’s the use of asking now? It’s probably too late!”
“Enough! Go ahead and stop me if you must. I’m going to find the Seventh Prince!” Yu Hualiang strode off determinedly.
Ye Fang was stunned. He wanted to remind Yu Hualiang the prince was receiving guests, but human life was urgent—and perhaps Yu Hualiang deserved a lesson, so he’d understand.
With the prince’s affection, the punishment shouldn’t be too harsh.
Yu Hualiang hurried to a courtyard not far away, though it felt much farther to him.
After a brief run, exhausted, he wondered at the poor stamina of his body, leaning against a wall to catch his breath.
Mo Cai, who had run ahead, returned to check on him. “Master, are you alright? Sit and rest!”
Yu Hualiang, hands on hips, panted, “Let’s go, the guard matters most!”
Mo Cai admired his master’s kindness, though the prince’s punishments were cruel—so severe for mere disrespect!
If it were in the Yu family, it would mean skipping a meal at most, or perhaps demotion or dismissal.
He hadn’t thought it would be so dire. Yu Hualiang’s gaze was clear and steadfast, his white robes fluttering in the breeze, giving him an ethereal air.
Apart from chasing after Ayu, Mo Cai had never seen him so resolute; Yu Hualiang was no longer the despised outcast, but a true hero.
Mo Cai was entranced.
“Look! Is that the Seventh Prince ahead?”
Mo Cai snapped back and looked ahead; indeed, there was a man in a blue robe, accompanied by a black-clad guard.
Yu Hualiang focused—wasn’t that Ye Fang? He’d just been in his courtyard; was he that swift?
Yu Hualiang hurried forward, calling, “Seventh Prince! Wait for me!”
The man ahead paused, turning slowly. The sight of Yu Hualiang in white, radiant beneath the sun, his fair skin and clear eyes tinged with a blush, stunned him. Where had this handsome scholar come from?
“Seventh Prince, wait for me!” Yu Hualiang called as he rushed closer, only to be blocked by the guard and struck across the face. “Who are you to disrespect the Fourth Prince?”
Yu Hualiang stopped, looked at the unfamiliar man in blue, and then at Ye Fang—why was he acting as if he didn’t know him?
His mind raced, then he swiftly knelt, “Long live the Fourth Prince!”
The Fourth and Seventh Princes resembled each other: ink-black brows, abyssal eyes, high nose, thin red lips.
Both possessed handsome faces and inscrutable smiles, though the Seventh Prince’s gaze was often hollow, while this man seemed to conceal a poisoned needle, ready to strike unexpectedly.
A velvet needle hidden within cotton—he was slightly heavier than the Seventh Prince, whose features were sharp, while his were softer, making his smile seem all the darker.
He crossed his arms, looking at Yu Hualiang as if he were some stray animal, his gaze lingering on Yu Hualiang’s long lashes and bright eyes, narrowing in appraisal.
With mocking tone, he said, “Who are you? Stand up and speak.”
Yu Hualiang replied politely, “Thank you, Fourth Prince.”
He rose, trembling, never expecting to be so unlucky as to encounter another prince—especially the Fourth, who outranked the Seventh.
If he failed to please, would he lose his head? Mo Cai was speechless—his master had a knack for courting danger.
From what he knew, the Fourth Prince was different from the Seventh, likely much gentler in temperament.
He wouldn't punish others lightly. The Fourth Prince watched him, and couldn’t help but praise, “What a handsome scholar.”
Yu Hualiang blushed. Though he knew he was handsome, it was the first time he’d been praised by someone other than a suitor.
“Thank you for your compliment, Fourth Prince.”
Ye Fang interjected angrily, “The Fourth Prince asked your name!”
Yu Hualiang composed himself, standing upright like a soldier before a commander.
With pride, he said, “Yes, Fourth Prince. My name is Yu Hualiang, painter of the Seventh Prince’s residence—not a scholar...”
Ye Fang glared as he spoke, his voice growing softer. The Fourth Prince said, “Ye Mo, let him finish. I haven’t met such an interesting person in a long time.”
“Hm?” Yu Hualiang stared blankly at the one he thought was Ye Fang... Could they be twins?
The Fourth Prince stepped forward. “Yu Hualiang... I’m in a fine mood today. Will you paint for me?”
Yu Hualiang’s heart jolted; anxious, he dared not refuse—after all, the man was a prince.
He bowed, “I would be honored to paint for you, Fourth Prince, but the scenery is lacking now, and I fear it cannot match your beauty... er, your handsomeness!”
The Fourth Prince was amused, laughing, “My seventh brother has taken to men. With your looks, you must be extraordinary, haha.”
Yu Hualiang shivered.
“Look, my seventh brother truly favors you. Isn’t that his beloved white brocade glass robe you’re wearing?” The Fourth Prince examined him from head to toe.
Upon hearing this, Yu Hualiang looked down and tugged at the robe. It was the Seventh Prince’s—when he said he had no clothes, the prince gave him his own!
He really was too attentive...
The Fourth Prince drew closer, prompting Yu Hualiang to instinctively step back. The prince smiled like a libertine teasing a virtuous woman.
He grinned, “Don’t retreat. I once thought men’s beauty was bizarre... but my brother has fallen for it. Seeing you today, Hualiang... my heart stirs with spring.”
Yu Hualiang felt a chill at the way he said “Hualiang,” and his heart fluttered at the mention of “spring.” He couldn’t help but wonder—was the Fourth Prince also interested in men?
The Fourth Prince approached, Yu Hualiang’s hairs stood on end, his fists clenched and trembling beneath his sleeves.
The prince seemed intent on teasing him, brushing his hair gently between his fingers.
He suddenly raised his head and said, “Let me try this men’s affection as well, shall I?”