Untouchable Lovers

Chapter 61: Chapter 61: War God Shen Qingzhi@@novelbin@@

“Does this include any poisons?”

“No.”

“Are there any addictive spices?”

“What do you mean by addictive?”

“I mean, something that one becomes dependent on after using for a while, and then can’t do without.”

“Probably not.”

Chu Yu and Wang Yizhi had a long conversation, but when it came down to it, it was just these few lines.

As for the names, uses, and characteristics of the spices, although Chu Yu also took note of them one by one, they seemed to be of little use.

According to Wang Yizhi, these spices should have also been soaked in some kind of medicinal solution after being chopped, so he couldn’t accurately identify all of the spices, only make rough guesses.

The medicinal materials and spices, these two items, were currently in Rong Zhi’s hands.

Chu Yu sat on the ground, staring blankly at the brocade bag that had been returned to her hands.

By this time, Wang Yizhi had already stood up, but was still lazily leaning against the wall, pressing down on his wooden clogs intermittently, the precious red sandalwood making a pleasing sound: “Is there anything troubling you? Tell me, and perhaps I can help.”

Chu Yu hid her worries, shaking her head: “No, just thinking about some things.” She looked up, meeting Wang Yizhi’s understanding gaze, which showed tolerant understanding and a clear brevity.

He saw that she wasn’t telling the truth but chose to let it pass without confronting her.

Chu Yu felt a little guilty: “It’s not that I intend to hide anything from you, it’s simply that firstly I don’t know how to explain, and secondly, there are still some things I need to consider.”

Wang Yizhi smiled understandingly: “Don’t worry about it. In this world, who doesn’t have personal matters they prefer not keeping others privy to…”

His words were interrupted by a gentle knock on the door. After two soft taps outside, a somewhat young voice spoke: “Master, Young Master Xiao and the others say they will leave for today and visit another day.”

It was then that Wang Yizhi remembered he had left the guests in the pavilion, and with a sheepish smile, he pulled open the doors. Standing outside was the green-clothed boy who had led Chu Yu in before, who respectfully said to Wang Yizhi: “Young Master Xiao and the others have left.”

Chu Yu suddenly realized that she and Wang Yizhi had been talking for quite a while, letting Xiao Bie slip away. She felt a bit regretful, thinking that she’ll just have to continue giving him a hard time next time, and for now, let it be.

Having met someone like Wang Yizhi that day, she was very content.

The green-clad boy finished speaking but did not leave; he hesitated for a moment before speaking softly: “Before Young Master Xiao left, he left a message for this guest.”

Wang Yizhi glanced at Chu Yu with a smile: “Go ahead.”

Clearing his throat, the green-clothed boy crisply said: “Next time, he will ask this young master to teach him the art of playing the zither.”

Wang Yizhi dismissed the boy and looked at Chu Yu with a grin; the two exchanged silent glances and after a brief silence, they both burst out laughing.

Wang Yizhi shook his head as he spoke: “You really managed to aggravate Xiao Bie. He’s usually cold as ice, rarely caring for anything other than his own affairs; to rile him up like this is indeed quite rare. What exactly did you do to make Xiao Bie hold such resentment toward you?”

Chu Yu stood up, still smiling as she spoke: “Perhaps I defiled him in some way.”

“How pitiful,” Wang Yizhi said, appearing ready for a good show rather than exhibiting any sympathy for Xiao Bie.

As the two walked out of the lakeside house, twilight had nearly fallen. The lake was cloaked in a layer of dark color, and at the water’s edge stood Yue Jiefei, straight as an arrow with his arms crossed over his chest, his tall figure casting a long, straight shadow on the ground.

Wang Yizhi stopped after a few steps: “Your guard is still waiting. I won’t see you off any further.”

Chu Yu looked back at him and performed a polite bow: “Thank you for today, Brother Yizhi. However, as for my identity, I ask you to keep it confidential on my behalf, as not everyone can be as unconcerned as you upon learning it.”

Wang Yizhi smiled faintly: “Of course.”

Chu Yu and Yue Jiefei left Wang Yizhi’s residence, and when they reached the Qinhuai River, dusk had already set in. The once bustling river was now quiet, with only the subtle sound of water flowing softly to the distance.

The twilight was deep and still.

During the day, boats would be present on the river, but now, Chu Yu and Yue Jiefei had to walk back. After a considerable effort, they finally returned to the inner city amidst the slightly oppressive night which enveloped the city streets, empty except for Chu Yu and Yue Jiefei walking one behind the other.

Suddenly Yue Jiefei stepped briskly forward, coming up beside Chu Yu and speaking in a low voice: “Princess, wait a moment.” His hand was already on the hilt of his sword.

The next moment, a group of people appeared around the corner of the street ahead. Some held lanterns, and under the dim light, it was clear that most of them were in military uniform.

The group noticed Chu Yu and Yue Jiefei, and a young man with the appearance of a military officer walked over, his gaze on Yue Jiefei with a hint of vigilance: “Who are you? Don’t you know there is a curfew these days?”

Recognizing the approaching figures, Yue Jiefei relaxed his guard, drew a token from around his waist, and held it up, declaring coldly: “We are from the Princess Mansion. We were delayed while attending to affairs today.”

The young officer scrutinized the token, his expression clearing, yet he looked at Chu Yu with disdain.

Chu Yu, currently dressed as a man, with a handsome and delicate facial appearance, guessed the officer probably took her for a male concubine of the Princess Mansion. She didn’t bother to explain and simply bowed to the young officer: “Thank you for your hard work,” before attempting to pass by them.

Then another voice came from around the street corner: “What’s the matter?”

The voice was raspy and aged yet carried a robust and vigorous spirit. Chu Yu couldn’t help but look, seeing a tall old man on horseback appear from the corner. His hair was white, and even in the darkness, his heavily wrinkled face indicated his advanced age. Still, seated on the horse, his muscular shoulders were like mountains—so solid and towering, they seemed unbreakable.

The young officer at once showed a look of admiration and respect upon seeing the old man. He quickly walked over to report the situation. After listening, the elder cast a glance towards Chu Yu’s direction.

Chu Yu felt his piercing gaze as if it were electric, full of immense authority. A single look from him and she could barely move, holding her breath involuntarily, until the elder and the troops led by the young officer walked past them and faded into the distance. She then took a gasping breath, still shaken, and asked: “Who was that elder just now?”

Yue Jiefei looked back at the retreating figure of the elder and replied: “Shen Qingzhi.”