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Perhaps sensing Le Yao Yao's thoughts, Leng Junyu merely lifted his thin lips slightly and said calmly, "It's nothing, just a minor issue."
Although the words of the living Yama were light and cold, if one listened closely, they would realize he was comforting Le Yao Yao.
Hearing Leng Junyu's words made Le Yao Yao feel even more guilty. Her heart twisted painfully...
However, before she could say much more, Xing had already called for the doctor.
The doctor carefully examined the burn on Leng Junyu's hand and declared it a minor injury that would heal well with two days of ointment.
Upon hearing this, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Nevertheless, Leng Junyu did not let this small injury delay important matters. After bandaging his wound, he quickly set off toward the crime scene with Mei and Xing to see if they could uncover any information.
Nangong Junxi was also exhausted. After Leng Junyu left, he was helped back to his Qingxiao Pavilion to rest.
After all, during these days, he had been constantly hiding, fearing that the Empress Mother would send guards to drag him back and force him to marry that Slime, which had caused him sleepless nights and poor meals.
Now that he had finally arrived here, it was only natural for him to take a good rest. Thus, he had no energy left to deal with Le Yao Yao.
Once everyone had left and the matters at Elegant Breeze Pavilion were settled, Le Yao Yao found herself feeling unusually empty in her heart during this rare moment of tranquility.
That feeling was akin to having a missing piece in her heart...
Le Yao Yao found this sensation extremely uncomfortable. Therefore, she decided not to dwell on it and planned to go out with Little Muzi for some shopping.
Although the Chief Eunuch was somewhat displeased with Le Yao Yao due to the incident involving the beating of the Minister of Rites' son, he had served by the prince's side for many years and understood that Le Yao Yao held a special place in Leng Junyu's heart. Thus, he granted her permission to leave the palace. However, his gaze towards her was particularly meaningful, making Le Yao Yao feel a shiver down her spine as she hurriedly pulled Little Muzi along and left.
Even the usually straightforward Little Muzi seemed to sense something unusual about the Chief Eunuch. After stepping out of the palace gates, he couldn't help but look at Le Yao Yao with confusion and asked her.
“Xiaoyaozi, don’t you think that Chief Eunuch was looking at you quite obediently just now?”
In response to Little Muzi's words, Le Yao Yao simply nodded lightly, expressing her agreement.
“I noticed that too, but I haven’t done anything wrong lately, have I? How strange! Could it be that he’s going through menopause?”
“What is menopause?” Little Muzi asked, her face filled with confusion.
Le Yao Yao was taken aback for a moment, realizing she had used a modern term. She chuckled awkwardly before explaining in a way that Little Muzi could understand.
“Uh, menopause is when people get older and start to experience certain ailments, and their tempers can become a bit strange. Do you understand now?”
“Oh, I see.”
Upon hearing Le Yao Yao's explanation, Little Muzi looked enlightened. Soon after, Le Yao Yao decided not to dwell on the topic any longer, especially since they had already left the palace and wanted to enjoy themselves!
However, after wandering around and looking at some interesting trinkets, they began to feel a bit tired. So they casually found a Tea House to have some cool tea before heading back.
The Tea House they chose was inexpensive, but the environment wasn’t too bad. Although it couldn’t compare to the larger inns, they were just minor eunuchs without much money and could only afford such low-end places.
Once inside the Tea House, the waiter immediately put on a professional smile and approached Le Yao Yao and her companions.
“Welcome! How many of you are there?”
“Just two. Please bring us two bowls of cool tea,” Le Yao Yao said as she sat down.
The waiter, upon hearing this, chuckled and said, "Alright," before quickly leaving. Soon after, two bowls of herbal tea were placed on the table.
It was the height of summer, with the sun hanging high in the sky, casting its enchanting rays down upon the earth. Even the breeze carried a hint of heat.
After wandering for quite some time, Le Yao Yao and Little Muzi were exhausted. Once they had paid for their herbal tea, they immediately picked up their bowls and began to drink.
Originally, Le Yao Yao planned to head back home after finishing their tea. However, at that moment, they heard a commotion nearby and decided to quiet down and listen for some gossip.
After all, in places like this tea house, there was always plenty of inside information to be found.
Even the smallest details, like how many baby mice a certain family’s pet had given birth to, would be discussed.
But this time, the chatter wasn’t about mice; it was about a girl from a certain family who had just died!
The news spread through the tea house like a missile, causing an uproar.
Le Yao Yao and Little Muzi felt a jolt in their hearts upon hearing this.
It turned out that earlier that morning, a daughter from a family in the western part of Capital City was found dead in her room. By noon, another girl was discovered dead in her home in the southwestern part of Capital City. Both girls had met the same gruesome fate and were around the same age—approximately sixteen years old and unmarried.
In just one day, two murders had occurred with such horrifying circumstances.
A corpse with its heart ripped out! How could that not instill fear?
Moreover, the bizarre nature of these two deaths quickly led people to speculate that they were the work of a specter, causing widespread panic among households.
At that moment in the tea house sat a middle-aged man known for being well-informed; he was recognized as a walking encyclopedia of news. People flocked to him daily to hear about current events.
Now he was recounting these incidents, waving a large folding fan as he animatedly described the two murders that had taken place that day.
"It is said that the Emperor has already learned about these two incidents today, and he was furious in court, demanding a thorough investigation. Who would have thought that upon investigation, it was discovered that there were more than just these two innocent girls from the Capital City involved.
A few months ago, over a dozen heart-extraction murders occurred in the Shanxi region. However, the unscrupulous Academy there feared that the court would find out and blame them for their negligence, so they suppressed all information about these incidents. It is said that those over a dozen victims in Shanxi were similar to the two girls from the Capital City—around sixteen or seventeen years old and unmarried. Such beautiful young lives wasted! So, if any of you have unmarried daughters at home, hurry up and marry them off! It doesn’t matter if the suitor has a pockmarked face or bad conditions; after all, a girl’s life is the most important thing!"
The last lamentation of the gossip monger weighed heavily on everyone present, especially those with unmarried daughters, whose faces turned pale with anxiety.
After all, such terrifying events could easily happen to their own daughters. For the sake of their daughters' safety, it would be best to marry them off as soon as possible!
Thus, those with daughters stood up one after another to pay their bills and leave, presumably to prepare for their daughters' weddings.
Hearing such news made both Le Yao Yao and Little Muzi feel uneasy.
"Xiaoyaozi, how could these girls die such tragic deaths? It's so pitiful! Fortunately, we are not young maidens. But who could be so cruel as to kill these innocent girls? Do you think it could be the work of ghosts?!"
It was no wonder Little Muzi thought this way; after all, in conservative ancient times, people were particularly superstitious about ghosts and deities. Many unexplained events were attributed to supernatural causes.
Le Yao Yao shook her head in confusion at Little Muzi's words, her heart heavy with worry.
Outside, the weather had changed dramatically. Just moments ago, it had been sunny; now dark clouds loomed overhead.
The oppressive darkness hung heavily in the air, making it hard for anyone to breathe.
"Little Muzi, let's go back!"
Feeling down earlier and hoping to clear her mind by taking a stroll outside, Le Yao Yao had not expected to hear even worse news after leaving. It truly left her feeling unsettled.
Perhaps Little Muzi felt the same way as Le Yao Yao did because she simply nodded in response and together they headed back home.
As Le Yao Yao returned to the palace, she learned that the Living Yama had already come back and was in the study.
Upon hearing this, Le Yao Yao hurried toward the study under the slightly reproachful gaze of the Chief Eunuch.
Although it was not yet sunset, the sky was overcast, casting a dim light, so the Elegant Breeze Pavilion had already lit its lamps.
Le Yao Yao first rushed to the tea room to brew the Living Yama's favorite tea, then carefully carried it toward the study.
A soft, milky light spilled from the study, indicating that someone was inside.
The door was only slightly ajar, but when Le Yao Yao reached outside the study, she still gently knocked on the door to announce her presence.
After a low knock echoed, a deep and enchanting voice emerged from within—the unique voice of the Living Yama.
"Come in!"
Hearing that voice made Le Yao Yao's heart tremble slightly.
For some reason, even though they had only been apart for half a day, she sensed a hint of fatigue in his tone. Was she mistaken, or was the Living Yama truly tired?
While pondering this, Le Yao Yao pushed the door open and entered.
The study was spacious, with several bookshelves filled with books, and as she stepped inside, a faint scent of paper wafted through the air.
Next to the desk stood a golden incense burner, from which wisps of Azure Smoke rose—this was the fragrance of Calming Incense.
At that moment, the Living Yama was reclining on the Palace Couch, one hand propping up his forehead as he rested with his eyes closed.
On the wall behind him hung a large Luminous Pearl.
The Luminous Pearl emitted a soft, milky white glow, illuminating the entire room as if it were broad daylight.
The gentle light cast upon the Living Yama, showcasing his tall and slender figure in all its glory.
He had a long physique, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist, with straight legs. The mysterious and noble black of his attire shimmered with a subtle luster under the light of the Luminous Pearl, enhancing the enchanting allure of the man who sat there with his eyes closed in deep contemplation.
At this moment, the Jade Crown atop his head had been removed, allowing his silky hair to cascade down gracefully, framing his face and accentuating his striking features, making him even more breathtakingly beautiful.
The Living Yama sat quietly, eyes tightly shut, appearing as if he were asleep. However, Le Yao Yao knew he was not truly asleep.
The noticeable furrow in his brow revealed that he was troubled by something distressing.
Even his beautifully shaped lips were pressed into a straight line.
This seemed to be the Living Yama's typical reaction whenever he was displeased.
Seeing this, Le Yao Yao immediately became alert. After all, the Living Yama was in a bad mood! She had to serve him well and avoid doing anything that might provoke him.
With this thought in mind, Le Yao Yao walked lightly, making sure not to make any noise that could disrupt his thoughts.
However, just as she placed the teacup on the Black Sandalwood tea table beside the Living Yama, he suddenly spoke up.
"Where did you go just now?"
"Uh..."
Startled by his sudden question, Le Yao Yao's heart skipped a beat, and her delicate face showed a hint of surprise.
Beautiful Eyes lifted slightly, revealing that the Living Yama still had his eyes tightly shut, not having opened them at all. However, his words were clearly directed at her!
Upon hearing this, Le Yao Yao first extended her tongue to moisten her somewhat dry lips before responding truthfully.
"In response to the prince's inquiry, I merely went out for a stroll earlier."
"Oh? Did you hear anything interesting?"
"Ah?"
Initially, Le Yao Yao had no idea why the Living Yama would suddenly ask her this. But now, upon hearing his question, she wondered if he was trying to find out whether news of the heart-extraction incident had spread through the streets.
Realizing this, Le Yao Yao immediately recounted everything she had heard without omitting a single detail.
She thought to herself that it seemed the Living Yama was indeed troubled by this Heart Extraction Incident!
It made sense; such a significant event had caused widespread panic among the people. The Celestial Yuan Dynasty was under the control of the Cold Family, so it was only natural for the Living Yama to be concerned.
Seeing him worried about this matter made Le Yao Yao feel a slight sense of sympathy.
Previously, she had never truly interacted with the Living Yama and had always regarded him with great fear.
However, if one were to genuinely spend time with him, they might discover that he wasn't as cold and heartless as the rumors suggested.
At least he cared about the common people, which was far better than those corrupt officials.
Moreover, he even showed concern for her, a mere little eunuch!
Thinking of this, Le Yao Yao suddenly seemed to have an epiphany. Her Beautiful Eyes shifted and landed on the large hand that the Living Yama rested on his thigh.
At that moment, the large hand was still bound with a bandage. However, she had heard the doctor say this morning that the Living Yama, who had burned his hand, needed to change the dressing twice a day for a quicker recovery.
Thinking of this, Le Yao Yao couldn't help but tentatively ask the resting Living Yama, "My lord, it's time to change your bandage..."
As soon as Le Yao Yao's words fell, the Living Yama, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, slightly trembled his long and thick eyelashes before opening his pair of somewhat weary Cold Eyes.
Moreover, when those Cold Eyes landed on Le Yao Yao, they seemed to carry an unusual glint.
Le Yao Yao couldn't decipher what the strangeness in the Living Yama's gaze meant. Being silently stared at by him made her heart skip a few beats, and she felt a hint of nervousness.
After all, there were only the Living Yama and her in the entire room. It was very quiet around them, and since he wasn't speaking but just gazing at her quietly, it made her feel an immense pressure.
Just as Le Yao Yao felt her scalp tingle under his intense gaze, the Living Yama finally withdrew his gaze from her and lightly snorted through his nose before softly saying, "The medicine is in the drawer."
Such succinct words were typical of the Living Yama's style.
Upon hearing this, Le Yao Yao was momentarily taken aback before quickly understanding what he meant.
Did he want her to help him change the bandage!?
But she wasn't a professional doctor and had never bandaged anyone's wounds before; she was afraid she wouldn't do it well.
Thinking of this, Le Yao Yao was about to suggest calling the doctor to help him with the dressing. However, after saying that one sentence, the Living Yama had already closed his Cold Eyes again.
Seeing this, Le Yao Yao pouted her delicate Small Mouth slightly and turned to walk towards the drawer.
Thinking to herself, "Let’s just apply the medicine! Bandaging should be quite easy!"
After coming to this conclusion, Le Yao Yao quickly retrieved the ointment she had left from the morning, along with scissors and gauze, and walked over to the side of Leng Junyu, the living Yama.
Seeing him still maintaining his previous posture, one hand propped against his forehead and the other resting on his thigh, Le Yao Yao couldn't help but lightly part her red lips and softly spoke.
"Your Highness, let me change your bandages."
"Mm."
Upon hearing Le Yao Yao's words, Leng Junyu, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened his narrow cold eyes once again. He first glanced at Le Yao Yao beside him before extending his injured hand toward her.
Although it was just a fleeting glance, Le Yao Yao still noticed the faint traces of blood in his eyes and how drowsy he appeared. She realized that during the brief time she took to fetch the medicine, he had actually fallen asleep.
This proved just how exhausted he truly was...
Thinking of this, Le Yao Yao felt a slight tug in her heart, feeling a pang of pity for this man.
However, as soon as this unusual feeling surged within her, it startled her so much that her beautiful eyes widened in shock.
Oh my!
Was she going crazy?! How could she feel pity for this man?!
Who was he?! He was the living Yama! A terrifying man who could crush her with a single finger, with a temperament as unpredictable as the weather. She... she...
Just as Le Yao Yao was reeling from her own thoughts, Leng Junyu noticed that she had not made any move for quite some time. He slightly raised his cold eyes again and spoke in a somewhat hoarse voice.
"What’s wrong?"
"Uh... no, no, I'll apply the medicine for you right now, my lord!"
After hearing the words of the living Yama, Le Yao Yao realized that she had been distracted in front of him. Startled, she immediately lowered her head, not daring to look at his face any longer, and focused on changing his bandages.
She noticed that his large hand was wrapped in gauze, and the way it was bandaged was very neat and professional, indicating that it had been done by someone skilled.
As Le Yao Yao carefully unwrapped the gauze from his hand, she paid close attention to the technique, planning to use it for her own bandaging later.
However, once she had completely removed the gauze from his hand and saw the originally slender and attractive hand now marred by a large area of redness and swelling, her heart tightened painfully.
Her beautiful eyes widened in shock as a wave of disbelief washed over her.
Oh my!
How hot was that tea this morning to cause such damage to his hand!?
Although the swelling had reduced significantly now, it was clear that he must have been in excruciating pain at the time. Yet he remained stoic, wearing an expression as if nothing had happened, even comforting her...
Thinking of this made it impossible for her not to feel moved!
After all, how many men would go to such lengths for someone like her? If it were anyone else, they would surely be touched! Moreover, this man was the living Yama...
He held a noble status and wielded great power, while she was merely a lowly servant. Yet he endured what he should not have to bear for the sake of a servant...
With this thought, Le Yao Yao felt a pang in her nose. A wave of emotion surged within her because this man before her...
Perhaps sensing Le Yao Yao's feelings and the mist in her eyes, Leng Junyu's handsome face momentarily froze in surprise. Then, his calm eyes softened unexpectedly, revealing a tenderness he himself was unaware of.
His red lips parted slightly as he spoke.
"Really, it doesn't hurt anymore."
Leng Junyu's voice was low and charming, particularly clear in this quiet moment, carrying an indescribable magnetism, much like a fine aged wine just uncorked, making one feel almost intoxicated.
Upon hearing Leng Junyu's words, Le Yao Yao couldn't help but sniffle lightly, then she raised her head to look at the imposing figure above her.
When she saw that handsome face intently gazing at her, she had to admit that her heart was truly stunned.
She couldn't tell if it was the soft glow of the Luminous Pearl or the misty haze in her eyes, but she noticed that the way the imposing figure looked at her seemed to hold a hint—just a hint—of... tenderness!?
Had she misread it? Or was it real?!
The imposing figure actually understood tenderness!? And the object of that tenderness was her!
Thinking of this made Le Yao Yao's heart flutter, and her heartbeat suddenly quickened.
The 'thump thump thump' of her heart was so intense, it felt as if it had jumped into a deer, excitement coursing through her endlessly...
Across from her, Leng Junyu felt as if a part of his heart softened when he met Le Yao Yao's sparkling beautiful Water Eyes, which were fluttering with emotion.
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