Two days after the winter solstice, Lu Chao received an invitation from Zhou Youcheng.
After a brief consideration, he realized that Zhou Youcheng must have escorted the Third Prince directly to Yingchuan. It seemed the cousins were on good terms—perhaps there was genuine hope for his cheap father’s funding.
But upon further reflection, something felt off.
After reviewing recent events, Lu Chao studied the invitation thoughtfully before deciding to investigate firsthand.
The next day, Lu Chao brought the gifts prepared in advance by his father and leisurely arrived at the prince’s residence.
After presenting the invitation to the gatekeeper, a short, pale-faced, beardless middle-aged man soon appeared before him.
"Master Lu, this way, please."
The high-pitched voice instantly revealed the man’s identity.
So this was one of the legendary eunuchs from the palace. Uncertain of any taboos and not wanting to embarrass Zhou Youcheng, Lu Chao opted for silence—fewer words, fewer mistakes.
"Many thanks, Eunuch Liang."
Lu Chao remained composed. Their eyes met briefly, and with a slight nod, he averted his gaze.
Eunuch Liang observed him discreetly and nodded in approval.
"This servant is merely a lowly attendant, unworthy of such respect from the young master."
This third son of the Lu family seemed steady indeed—his demeanor natural, his gaze clear, neither fawning nor obsequious. A fine young man.
At Kang Manor,
Xiao Youcheng examined himself in the mirror and glanced uncertainly at his maid, Haitang.
"Well? Do I look the part?"
Haitang nodded.
"Your Highness need not worry. Right now, you resemble one of those frail scholars from the storybooks—delicate enough to stir pity."
"Enough of your cheek. Cough... Very well, Master Lu will arrive soon. All of you, withdraw."
Xiao Youcheng feigned irritation, clearing his throat awkwardly.
Mostly, he feared Lu Chao’s temper. If the man started scolding him in front of the servants, it would severely undermine his princely dignity.
Haitang, who had served him since childhood, knew he wasn’t truly angry and retreated with a muffled laugh.
When Lu Chao arrived, he saw Zhou Youcheng leaning against a desk by the window, dressed in white, his face pallid, lips devoid of color, as he bent over his writing.
"Zhou Youcheng?"
Lu Chao barely recognized him. The boy had shot up alarmingly—now even taller than his elder brother. His features had sharpened, but the greatest change was in his aura. The once spirited young master now exuded an aloofness that kept others at bay. Yet the moment their eyes met, that frost melted away, warmth returning to his gaze.
"Lu Chao! Long time no see!"
Xiao Youcheng hurried forward at the sound of his voice.
"Damn! What have you been eating? How’d you grow so much taller in just a year?!"
Lu Chao eyed the figure looming a full head above him with envy.
The words instantly rekindled the familiar banter from their letters.
"You little stump, still this short? Skipping meals?"
"Piss off! I’m a late bloomer, that’s all. Just wait—in two years, you’ll all be looking up at me."
Lu Chao thumped his chest. It wasn’t bragging—he’d already sourced every dairy product available. Two years of relentless consumption, and he’d leave them all in the dust.
"You’ve filled out nicely, but you look about as sturdy as a sheet of paper. That ghostly pallor—can you even handle yourself?"
Lu Chao playfully punched Zhou Youcheng’s shoulder, teasing.
Xiao Youcheng’s forehead twitched repeatedly. Remembering he was supposed to be a "patient," he forced himself to hold back.
"Cough, cough, cough!"
Xiao Youcheng clutched his chest dramatically, feigning a weak cough.
Lu Chao hurriedly poured him a cup of tea, asking urgently, "Why are you coughing so badly? Have you taken your medicine?"
Xiao Youcheng nodded, then sighed guiltily.
"What’s wrong? Why the sudden melancholy?"
Lu Chao studied him again. Could this guy actually be seriously ill? His sturdy frame didn’t seem to suggest it.
Xiao Youcheng stiffened, terrified his face powder might be noticed.
"Chao, you treat me like a brother, yet I’ve kept something from you. Go ahead, hit me!"
Lu Chao nearly laughed at his martyr-like expression.
"Something you’ve kept from me? You’re not about to tell me you’re not Zhou Youcheng, are you?"
Xiao Youcheng’s head snapped up, his expression shifting abruptly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"How did you know?"
Lu Chao choked on his water, coughing violently. After a long moment, he stared at Xiao Youcheng in disbelief.
"Holy—you’re really not?!"
Seizing the other’s stunned silence, Lu Chao stumbled over his own feet in a flustered bow.
"Enough, enough. If you bowed like that in the palace, the tutor would have you punished for sure. How did you figure it out?"
Lu Chao rubbed his nose.
"What kind of guest lounges around the main courtyard of a prince’s estate like it’s their own home?"
Xiao Youcheng gave him a look that said, Go on, I’m listening.
Lu Chao shrugged honestly.
"Your Highness, the Third Prince, you’ve voluntarily requested a fiefdom. If I were Lord Zhou, I’d never send a Zhou family member to escort you."
Xiao Youcheng suddenly burst into laughter.
"You’re quick, I’ll give you that."
His eyes shone with undisguised admiration.
By requesting a fiefdom, he’d made it clear to his father and the court that he had no interest in the throne—let someone else have it. If the Zhou family had sent their son to escort him, it would’ve signaled their political alignment, which went against their reputation as impartial officials.
"At the time of the kidnapping, revealing my identity wasn’t an option, so I kept it from you. After returning to the capital, I thought… since we got along so well, regardless of status, why complicate things? So I never told you. I was wrong. If you resent me, I understand."
Lu Chao waved his hands in panic.
"How could I resent you? Meeting Your Highness the Third Prince is an honor for someone like me."
Xiao Youcheng lowered his eyes, wounded.
"So you do resent me. My father and mother don’t understand me, my elder brother falsely accused me… I just wanted a peaceful life, but no one believes me. Cough, cough. And now even you are keeping your distance."
Lu Chao hesitated, torn by his pitiful state. But the weight of his identity made him hesitate further.
Xiao Youcheng cut straight to the point. "Are you worried I’ll throw my weight around? Do I seem like that kind of person?"
With that, he made a show of leaving.
Lu Chao hastily stopped him. "No, no! Give me some time to adjust, alright?"
Seeing Xiao Youcheng still looking fragile, he ventured cautiously, "So… you’re really giving up the fight?"
Xiao Youcheng shook his head.
"Giving up. It’s not worth it."
Lu Chao exhaled in relief. As long as he wasn’t competing, he wouldn’t be dragged into royal strife.
"It’s good you’ve made peace with it. Honestly, managing a fiefdom sounds pretty nice."
Plenty of food and drink—as long as you didn’t rebel, life would be smooth sailing!
"Mm, you're my only friend here in Yingchuan. Don't push me away, alright?" Xiao Youcheng gave Lu Chao a meaningful look.
"Heh, of course not. But I'm still young and have to focus on my studies," Lu Chao replied with an awkward laugh.
Studying was good—Xiao Youcheng's eyes lit up at the words. He always said Lu Chao was his lucky star!
...
Two months later.
Lu Chao stared at the towering mountain before him, then turned to glance incredulously at Xiao Youcheng behind him.
"You're sure this is a school?"
Xiao Youcheng nodded.
Lu Chao pointed at the inscription on the stone tablet.
"'Guanfu Academy only accepts those destined to be here'?"
When Xiao Youcheng nodded again, Lu Chao couldn't help muttering, "Sounds like a consolation for not being able to recruit students. Listen, if I'm not 'destined,' you can't force me, got it?"
How had he never heard of this academy in Yingchuan? And in such a remote location—was this even a real school or just some shady operation?
Xiao Youcheng shot him an exasperated look.
"How do you know you're not the one destined?"
Lu Chao stiffened, about to argue back—
"I heard Magistrate Lu wants to build roads in Yuxi County?"
The words died in Lu Chao's throat.
Damn it!!
