Selling Cakes: C16

Chapter Sixteen

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”}
It took about five days for Shen Yunjie’s full recovery, and during that time, Xiao Yuan got significantly closer to Xiao Ning. Every day, while Xiao Ning managed the shopfront, Xiao Yuan was right by his side keeping count of the money in his little jar. The sight of his little self made those ever-curious neighbours even more intrigued by the rumoured beauty staying at Xiao Ning’s, so whenever they passed by, it was common to see their craning necks peeking into the house, all hoping to catch a glimpse.

“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”

_{Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”}Shen Yunjie stiffened before craning his head towards Old Zhou, his gaze harsh.

Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”

_{Chapter Sixteen}Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable. His throat became so swollen he couldn’t speak. All day long, he would let out low coughs, but he could still eat, albeit a little. But the day came when even that was impossible to achieve, and it was then Xiao Ning dragged him away to see Old Zhou in frustration.

Chapter Sixteen

_N/A
It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

N/A

_{Xiao Ning snorted at the old man’s complaints, snatched the bag, snatched Shen Yunjie, and left. At being dragged along, Shen Yunjie stumbled, finding it hard to find his footing, until he ultimately fell face-first into Xiao Ning.}
In the past, when he found Shen Yunjie and took him back to the palace, the two were practically inseparable. From the school to the martial arts academy, wherever one was, the other followed. Whether it be etiquette, music, archery, riding, calligraphy, or mathematics, whatever Xie Yunyi learnt, Shen Yunjie learnt, too.

Xiao Ning snorted at the old man’s complaints, snatched the bag, snatched Shen Yunjie, and left. At being dragged along, Shen Yunjie stumbled, finding it hard to find his footing, until he ultimately fell face-first into Xiao Ning.

_{It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.}
At least, that was how Xie Yunyi believed things to be. Xiao Ning, on the other hand, has no idea of the wealth of knowledge Shen Yunjie was taught at Tianyi. The fact he was able to sneak around his father’s palace to search for evidence whilst avoiding the guard led him to believe the scope was far beyond anything he could imagine.

It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

_{For a short while, only two were left in the room. Old Zhou snuck over to Shen Yunjie, asking him in a whisper, “Tell me, how many years do ya have left?”}“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”

For a short while, only two were left in the room. Old Zhou snuck over to Shen Yunjie, asking him in a whisper, “Tell me, how many years do ya have left?”

_{It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.}For a short while, only two were left in the room. Old Zhou snuck over to Shen Yunjie, asking him in a whisper, “Tell me, how many years do ya have left?”

It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

_{“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.}
But even then, he made sure that man was never lacking in anything, caring for him even now. Yes, he forced him to bed with him a few times, but why was that guy acting as though he was being tortured to death? Is he doing it intentionally? Is he… putting on an act to get inside my head again?! The more Xiao Ning thought about it, the more irritated he became. So much so, two smashed pots found their way to the garbage while he was on the stove as a result.

“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.

_{It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.}Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

At least, that was how Xie Yunyi believed things to be. Xiao Ning, on the other hand, has no idea of the wealth of knowledge Shen Yunjie was taught at Tianyi. The fact he was able to sneak around his father’s palace to search for evidence whilst avoiding the guard led him to believe the scope was far beyond anything he could imagine.

_{Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”}
Shen Yunjie wasn’t oblivious to the anger of his young master, but he believed the anger directed at him was due to his uselessness, and after spending the last few days in bed, he was tired of recuperating. Since Xiao Ning didn’t like him appearing at the front of the shop, he made it a habit to head to the backyard. He would clean up, do the laundry, and take care of the meals. Then, at night, he would take the initiative to quietly apply his ointment in front of Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

_{Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”}
Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable. His throat became so swollen he couldn’t speak. All day long, he would let out low coughs, but he could still eat, albeit a little. But the day came when even that was impossible to achieve, and it was then Xiao Ning dragged him away to see Old Zhou in frustration.

Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”

_{“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.}
Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”

“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.

_{Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”}It took about five days for Shen Yunjie’s full recovery, and during that time, Xiao Yuan got significantly closer to Xiao Ning. Every day, while Xiao Ning managed the shopfront, Xiao Yuan was right by his side keeping count of the money in his little jar. The sight of his little self made those ever-curious neighbours even more intrigued by the rumoured beauty staying at Xiao Ning’s, so whenever they passed by, it was common to see their craning necks peeking into the house, all hoping to catch a glimpse.

Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”

_{It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.}Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable. His throat became so swollen he couldn’t speak. All day long, he would let out low coughs, but he could still eat, albeit a little. But the day came when even that was impossible to achieve, and it was then Xiao Ning dragged him away to see Old Zhou in frustration.

It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

_{Shen Yunjie stared at the old man before lowering his head with a sigh. “Please, don’t tell the young master.” It was a submissive plea, one from a beauty at that, and the type that can move a person’s heart.}Xiao Ning said nothing, only turning back to look at Shen Yunjie, who sat waiting at the door of the clinic obediently. Dressed in nothing but a robe made of coarse cloth and not a single accessory of value attached, he leaned against the door frame in silence, a wooden hairpin his sole adornment. But even then, his dignified bearing, coupled with the glow of the setting sun shining at his feet, made him look otherworldly.

Shen Yunjie stared at the old man before lowering his head with a sigh. “Please, don’t tell the young master.” It was a submissive plea, one from a beauty at that, and the type that can move a person’s heart.

_{Xiao Ning stopped in place, his head now hanging. “No.}
Xiao Ning said nothing, only turning back to look at Shen Yunjie, who sat waiting at the door of the clinic obediently. Dressed in nothing but a robe made of coarse cloth and not a single accessory of value attached, he leaned against the door frame in silence, a wooden hairpin his sole adornment. But even then, his dignified bearing, coupled with the glow of the setting sun shining at his feet, made him look otherworldly.

Xiao Ning stopped in place, his head now hanging. “No. I will not. Do not forget who you are to me, Shen Yunjie. You are not my lover. You are my enemy and nothing more. Just because I spare your life does not mean I do not hate you with everything I have. So make no mistake, your death will be nothing but the rightful end to an old grudge.” His words were harsh and decisive, but not even Xiao Ning could be sure if they were for the man beside him or himself.

_{Xiao Ning said nothing, only turning back to look at Shen Yunjie, who sat waiting at the door of the clinic obediently. Dressed in nothing but a robe made of coarse cloth and not a single accessory of value attached, he leaned against the door frame in silence, a wooden hairpin his sole adornment.}Xiao Ning said nothing, only turning back to look at Shen Yunjie, who sat waiting at the door of the clinic obediently. Dressed in nothing but a robe made of coarse cloth and not a single accessory of value attached, he leaned against the door frame in silence, a wooden hairpin his sole adornment. But even then, his dignified bearing, coupled with the glow of the setting sun shining at his feet, made him look otherworldly.

Xiao Ning said nothing, only turning back to look at Shen Yunjie, who sat waiting at the door of the clinic obediently. Dressed in nothing but a robe made of coarse cloth and not a single accessory of value attached, he leaned against the door frame in silence, a wooden hairpin his sole adornment. But even then, his dignified bearing, coupled with the glow of the setting sun shining at his feet, made him look otherworldly.

_{Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”}“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.

Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

_{Xiao Ning’s expression softened, his hand on Shen Yunjie’s again leading him home. As they walked, Shen Yunjie broke the silence to softly ask, “Young master… if I died one day, would you be sad?”}Old Zhou paid little mind to Shen Yunji’s words and pulled up a three-legged stool to sit on, wobbling playfully as he spoke. “Did our little Xingxing tell you about me?”

Xiao Ning’s expression softened, his hand on Shen Yunjie’s again leading him home. As they walked, Shen Yunjie broke the silence to softly ask, “Young master… if I died one day, would you be sad?”

The liquorice is hanging in the backyard,” Old Zhou stuffed a scale in his hand, “go weigh out two coins worth yourself.” Xiao Ning glanced back at Shen Yunjie again before turning and heading to the backyard.

_{In the past, when he found Shen Yunjie and took him back to the palace, the two were practically inseparable. From the school to the martial arts academy, wherever one was, the other followed. Whether it be etiquette, music, archery, riding, calligraphy, or mathematics, whatever Xie Yunyi learnt, Shen Yunjie learnt, too.}
The liquorice is hanging in the backyard,” Old Zhou stuffed a scale in his hand, “go weigh out two coins worth yourself.” Xiao Ning glanced back at Shen Yunjie again before turning and heading to the backyard.

In the past, when he found Shen Yunjie and took him back to the palace, the two were practically inseparable. From the school to the martial arts academy, wherever one was, the other followed. Whether it be etiquette, music, archery, riding, calligraphy, or mathematics, whatever Xie Yunyi learnt, Shen Yunjie learnt, too.

_{“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”}
For a short while, only two were left in the room. Old Zhou snuck over to Shen Yunjie, asking him in a whisper, “Tell me, how many years do ya have left?”

“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”

_{Shen Yunjie lowered his eyes and recalled his aura of murderous intent; his voice kept at a whisper. “Zhou Yan, you’re Tian Nanxing’s Junior Martial Uncle, so how could I ever kill you to seal your tongue?”}Xiao Ning’s grip on Shen Yunjie’s hand again tightened; the feel of those fingers in his was cold. “So don’t ever ask me such nonsense in the future, understood?”

Shen Yunjie lowered his eyes and recalled his aura of murderous intent; his voice kept at a whisper. “Zhou Yan, you’re Tian Nanxing’s Junior Martial Uncle, so how could I ever kill you to seal your tongue?”

_{Xiao Ning stopped in place, his head now hanging. “No.}Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”

_{But even then, he made sure that man was never lacking in anything, caring for him even now. Yes, he forced him to bed with him a few times, but why was that guy acting as though he was being tortured to death? Is he doing it intentionally? Is he… putting on an act to get inside my head again?! The more Xiao Ning thought about it, the more irritated he became.}Xiao Ning snorted at the old man’s complaints, snatched the bag, snatched Shen Yunjie, and left. At being dragged along, Shen Yunjie stumbled, finding it hard to find his footing, until he ultimately fell face-first into Xiao Ning.

But even then, he made sure that man was never lacking in anything, caring for him even now. Yes, he forced him to bed with him a few times, but why was that guy acting as though he was being tortured to death? Is he doing it intentionally? Is he… putting on an act to get inside my head again?! The more Xiao Ning thought about it, the more irritated he became. So much so, two smashed pots found their way to the garbage while he was on the stove as a result.

_{“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”}
“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”

“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”

_{“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”}“Alright. I won’t.” Shen Yunjie agreed with a nod.

“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”

_{“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”}Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”

_{“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.}Xiao Ning said nothing, only turning back to look at Shen Yunjie, who sat waiting at the door of the clinic obediently. Dressed in nothing but a robe made of coarse cloth and not a single accessory of value attached, he leaned against the door frame in silence, a wooden hairpin his sole adornment. But even then, his dignified bearing, coupled with the glow of the setting sun shining at his feet, made him look otherworldly.

“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.

_{Shen Yunjie’s face paled at those words, his heart tying into knots. “I… I never considered this…”}
Shen Yunjie lowered his eyes and recalled his aura of murderous intent; his voice kept at a whisper. “Zhou Yan, you’re Tian Nanxing’s Junior Martial Uncle, so how could I ever kill you to seal your tongue?”

Shen Yunjie’s face paled at those words, his heart tying into knots. “I… I never considered this…”

_{Old Zhou paid little mind to Shen Yunji’s words and pulled up a three-legged stool to sit on, wobbling playfully as he spoke. “Did our little Xingxing tell you about me?”}
Old Zhou paid little mind to Shen Yunji’s words and pulled up a three-legged stool to sit on, wobbling playfully as he spoke. “Did our little Xingxing tell you about me?”

Old Zhou paid little mind to Shen Yunji’s words and pulled up a three-legged stool to sit on, wobbling playfully as he spoke. “Did our little Xingxing tell you about me?”

_{This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.}N/A

This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.

_{“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”}
“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”

“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”

_{Shen Yunjie lowered his eyes and recalled his aura of murderous intent; his voice kept at a whisper. “Zhou Yan, you’re Tian Nanxing’s Junior Martial Uncle, so how could I ever kill you to seal your tongue?”}This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.

_{This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.}
“My, my… Well, look at you now.” The old man was practically trembling with laughter. “Just a second ago, you were all obedient and meek when that silly kid was right in front of you.”

This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.

_{“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.}Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.

_{Shen Yunjie lowered his eyes and recalled his aura of murderous intent; his voice kept at a whisper. “Zhou Yan, you’re Tian Nanxing’s Junior Martial Uncle, so how could I ever kill you to seal your tongue?”}
Shen Yunjie stared at the old man before lowering his head with a sigh. “Please, don’t tell the young master.” It was a submissive plea, one from a beauty at that, and the type that can move a person’s heart.

_{Shen Yunjie’s face paled at those words, his heart tying into knots. “I… I never considered this…”}Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”

Shen Yunjie’s face paled at those words, his heart tying into knots. “I… I never considered this…”

_{For a short while, only two were left in the room. Old Zhou snuck over to Shen Yunjie, asking him in a whisper, “Tell me, how many years do ya have left?”}
Old Zhou rubbed his chin before eventually clicking his tongue and stating, “I have no power when it comes to the business between you two lads, but… You know you don’t have much time left, so why interfere with him? Is that truly necessary? When those eyes of yours permanently shut, the grudges between you two will be gone on your end, but he’ll be left all alone. Despite him being hard on the outside, we both know he’s nothing but mush within. You, on the other hand, are a ruthless one through and through.”

For a short while, only two were left in the room. Old Zhou snuck over to Shen Yunjie, asking him in a whisper, “Tell me, how many years do ya have left?”

_{Shen Yunjie’s face paled at those words, his heart tying into knots. “I… I never considered this…”}
Shen Yunjie’s face paled at those words, his heart tying into knots. “I… I never considered this…”

Shen Yunjie’s face paled at those words, his heart tying into knots. “I… I never considered this…”

_{Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”}“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”

Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

_{Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”}Old Zhou paid little mind to Shen Yunji’s words and pulled up a three-legged stool to sit on, wobbling playfully as he spoke. “Did our little Xingxing tell you about me?”

Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”

For a short while, only two were left in the room. Old Zhou snuck over to Shen Yunjie, asking him in a whisper, “Tell me, how many years do ya have left?”

_{Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”}
“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.

Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”

_{Xiao Ning snorted at the old man’s complaints, snatched the bag, snatched Shen Yunjie, and left. At being dragged along, Shen Yunjie stumbled, finding it hard to find his footing, until he ultimately fell face-first into Xiao Ning.}“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”

_{For a short while, only two were left in the room. Old Zhou snuck over to Shen Yunjie, asking him in a whisper, “Tell me, how many years do ya have left?”}
Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”

For a short while, only two were left in the room. Old Zhou snuck over to Shen Yunjie, asking him in a whisper, “Tell me, how many years do ya have left?”

_{Xiao Ning’s grip on Shen Yunjie’s hand again tightened; the feel of those fingers in his was cold. “So don’t ever ask me such nonsense in the future, understood?”}Xiao Ning said nothing, only turning back to look at Shen Yunjie, who sat waiting at the door of the clinic obediently. Dressed in nothing but a robe made of coarse cloth and not a single accessory of value attached, he leaned against the door frame in silence, a wooden hairpin his sole adornment. But even then, his dignified bearing, coupled with the glow of the setting sun shining at his feet, made him look otherworldly.

Xiao Ning’s grip on Shen Yunjie’s hand again tightened; the feel of those fingers in his was cold. “So don’t ever ask me such nonsense in the future, understood?”

_{“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.}But even then, he made sure that man was never lacking in anything, caring for him even now. Yes, he forced him to bed with him a few times, but why was that guy acting as though he was being tortured to death? Is he doing it intentionally? Is he… putting on an act to get inside my head again?! The more Xiao Ning thought about it, the more irritated he became. So much so, two smashed pots found their way to the garbage while he was on the stove as a result.

“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.

_{Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”}
Xiao Ning snorted at the old man’s complaints, snatched the bag, snatched Shen Yunjie, and left. At being dragged along, Shen Yunjie stumbled, finding it hard to find his footing, until he ultimately fell face-first into Xiao Ning.

Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”

_{Shen Yunjie lowered his eyes and recalled his aura of murderous intent; his voice kept at a whisper. “Zhou Yan, you’re Tian Nanxing’s Junior Martial Uncle, so how could I ever kill you to seal your tongue?”}“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”

_{“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”}“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.

“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”

_{Old Zhou rubbed his chin before eventually clicking his tongue and stating, “I have no power when it comes to the business between you two lads, but… You know you don’t have much time left, so why interfere with him? Is that truly necessary? When those eyes of yours permanently shut, the grudges between you two will be gone on your end, but he’ll be left all alone. Despite him being hard on the outside, we both know he’s nothing but mush within.}Xiao Ning’s grip on Shen Yunjie’s hand again tightened; the feel of those fingers in his was cold. “So don’t ever ask me such nonsense in the future, understood?”

Old Zhou rubbed his chin before eventually clicking his tongue and stating, “I have no power when it comes to the business between you two lads, but… You know you don’t have much time left, so why interfere with him? Is that truly necessary? When those eyes of yours permanently shut, the grudges between you two will be gone on your end, but he’ll be left all alone. Despite him being hard on the outside, we both know he’s nothing but mush within. You, on the other hand, are a ruthless one through and through.”

_{Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable.}It took about five days for Shen Yunjie’s full recovery, and during that time, Xiao Yuan got significantly closer to Xiao Ning. Every day, while Xiao Ning managed the shopfront, Xiao Yuan was right by his side keeping count of the money in his little jar. The sight of his little self made those ever-curious neighbours even more intrigued by the rumoured beauty staying at Xiao Ning’s, so whenever they passed by, it was common to see their craning necks peeking into the house, all hoping to catch a glimpse.

Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable. His throat became so swollen he couldn’t speak. All day long, he would let out low coughs, but he could still eat, albeit a little. But the day came when even that was impossible to achieve, and it was then Xiao Ning dragged him away to see Old Zhou in frustration.

_{It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.}N/AChapter Sixteen

It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

_{“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.}
Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.

“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.

_{“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”}“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.

“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”

_{But even then, he made sure that man was never lacking in anything, caring for him even now. Yes, he forced him to bed with him a few times, but why was that guy acting as though he was being tortured to death? Is he doing it intentionally? Is he… putting on an act to get inside my head again?! The more Xiao Ning thought about it, the more irritated he became.}Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable. His throat became so swollen he couldn’t speak. All day long, he would let out low coughs, but he could still eat, albeit a little. But the day came when even that was impossible to achieve, and it was then Xiao Ning dragged him away to see Old Zhou in frustration.

_{Shen Yunjie stared at the old man before lowering his head with a sigh. “Please, don’t tell the young master.” It was a submissive plea, one from a beauty at that, and the type that can move a person’s heart.}
Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

_{Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”}Xiao Ning stopped in place, his head now hanging. “No. I will not. Do not forget who you are to me, Shen Yunjie. You are not my lover. You are my enemy and nothing more. Just because I spare your life does not mean I do not hate you with everything I have. So make no mistake, your death will be nothing but the rightful end to an old grudge.” His words were harsh and decisive, but not even Xiao Ning could be sure if they were for the man beside him or himself.

Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

_{“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”}Shen Yunjie stared at the old man before lowering his head with a sigh. “Please, don’t tell the young master.” It was a submissive plea, one from a beauty at that, and the type that can move a person’s heart.

“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”

_{Old Zhou rubbed his chin before eventually clicking his tongue and stating, “I have no power when it comes to the business between you two lads, but… You know you don’t have much time left, so why interfere with him? Is that truly necessary? When those eyes of yours permanently shut, the grudges between you two will be gone on your end, but he’ll be left all alone. Despite him being hard on the outside, we both know he’s nothing but mush within.}Xiao Ning snorted at the old man’s complaints, snatched the bag, snatched Shen Yunjie, and left. At being dragged along, Shen Yunjie stumbled, finding it hard to find his footing, until he ultimately fell face-first into Xiao Ning.

_{“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”}“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”

“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”

_{Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.}It took about five days for Shen Yunjie’s full recovery, and during that time, Xiao Yuan got significantly closer to Xiao Ning. Every day, while Xiao Ning managed the shopfront, Xiao Yuan was right by his side keeping count of the money in his little jar. The sight of his little self made those ever-curious neighbours even more intrigued by the rumoured beauty staying at Xiao Ning’s, so whenever they passed by, it was common to see their craning necks peeking into the house, all hoping to catch a glimpse.

Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.

_{At least, that was how Xie Yunyi believed things to be. Xiao Ning, on the other hand, has no idea of the wealth of knowledge Shen Yunjie was taught at Tianyi. The fact he was able to sneak around his father’s palace to search for evidence whilst avoiding the guard led him to believe the scope was far beyond anything he could imagine.}
Xiao Ning stopped in place, his head now hanging. “No. I will not. Do not forget who you are to me, Shen Yunjie. You are not my lover. You are my enemy and nothing more. Just because I spare your life does not mean I do not hate you with everything I have. So make no mistake, your death will be nothing but the rightful end to an old grudge.” His words were harsh and decisive, but not even Xiao Ning could be sure if they were for the man beside him or himself.

_{Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”}Xiao Ning’s expression softened, his hand on Shen Yunjie’s again leading him home. As they walked, Shen Yunjie broke the silence to softly ask, “Young master… if I died one day, would you be sad?”

Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

_{“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.}Xiao Ning’s grip on Shen Yunjie’s hand again tightened; the feel of those fingers in his was cold. “So don’t ever ask me such nonsense in the future, understood?”

“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.

_{Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.}
Hearing his answer, Shen Yunjie stared at the path before them—at their shadows extended by the setting sun—until the distance forced them close.

Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.

_{“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”}
Xiao Ning’s grip on Shen Yunjie’s hand again tightened; the feel of those fingers in his was cold. “So don’t ever ask me such nonsense in the future, understood?”

“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”

_N/A“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”

N/A

It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

_{Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”}Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable. His throat became so swollen he couldn’t speak. All day long, he would let out low coughs, but he could still eat, albeit a little. But the day came when even that was impossible to achieve, and it was then Xiao Ning dragged him away to see Old Zhou in frustration.

Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”

_N/A
N/AChapter Sixteen

N/A

_{It took about five days for Shen Yunjie’s full recovery, and during that time, Xiao Yuan got significantly closer to Xiao Ning. Every day, while Xiao Ning managed the shopfront, Xiao Yuan was right by his side keeping count of the money in his little jar.}
It took about five days for Shen Yunjie’s full recovery, and during that time, Xiao Yuan got significantly closer to Xiao Ning. Every day, while Xiao Ning managed the shopfront, Xiao Yuan was right by his side keeping count of the money in his little jar. The sight of his little self made those ever-curious neighbours even more intrigued by the rumoured beauty staying at Xiao Ning’s, so whenever they passed by, it was common to see their craning necks peeking into the house, all hoping to catch a glimpse.

It took about five days for Shen Yunjie’s full recovery, and during that time, Xiao Yuan got significantly closer to Xiao Ning. Every day, while Xiao Ning managed the shopfront, Xiao Yuan was right by his side keeping count of the money in his little jar. The sight of his little self made those ever-curious neighbours even more intrigued by the rumoured beauty staying at Xiao Ning’s, so whenever they passed by, it was common to see their craning necks peeking into the house, all hoping to catch a glimpse.

_{It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.}
It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

_{“Alright. I won’t.” Shen Yunjie agreed with a nod.}“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.

“Alright. I won’t.” Shen Yunjie agreed with a nod.

_N/AIt took about five days for Shen Yunjie’s full recovery, and during that time, Xiao Yuan got significantly closer to Xiao Ning. Every day, while Xiao Ning managed the shopfront, Xiao Yuan was right by his side keeping count of the money in his little jar. The sight of his little self made those ever-curious neighbours even more intrigued by the rumoured beauty staying at Xiao Ning’s, so whenever they passed by, it was common to see their craning necks peeking into the house, all hoping to catch a glimpse.

N/A

_{N/AChapter Sixteen}
In the past, when he found Shen Yunjie and took him back to the palace, the two were practically inseparable. From the school to the martial arts academy, wherever one was, the other followed. Whether it be etiquette, music, archery, riding, calligraphy, or mathematics, whatever Xie Yunyi learnt, Shen Yunjie learnt, too.

N/AChapter Sixteen

_{The liquorice is hanging in the backyard,” Old Zhou stuffed a scale in his hand, “go weigh out two coins worth yourself.” Xiao Ning glanced back at Shen Yunjie again before turning and heading to the backyard.}
At least, that was how Xie Yunyi believed things to be. Xiao Ning, on the other hand, has no idea of the wealth of knowledge Shen Yunjie was taught at Tianyi. The fact he was able to sneak around his father’s palace to search for evidence whilst avoiding the guard led him to believe the scope was far beyond anything he could imagine.

_{Xiao Ning’s expression softened, his hand on Shen Yunjie’s again leading him home. As they walked, Shen Yunjie broke the silence to softly ask, “Young master… if I died one day, would you be sad?”}Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable. His throat became so swollen he couldn’t speak. All day long, he would let out low coughs, but he could still eat, albeit a little. But the day came when even that was impossible to achieve, and it was then Xiao Ning dragged him away to see Old Zhou in frustration.

_{Shen Yunjie wasn’t oblivious to the anger of his young master, but he believed the anger directed at him was due to his uselessness, and after spending the last few days in bed, he was tired of recuperating. Since Xiao Ning didn’t like him appearing at the front of the shop, he made it a habit to head to the backyard.}
But even then, he made sure that man was never lacking in anything, caring for him even now. Yes, he forced him to bed with him a few times, but why was that guy acting as though he was being tortured to death? Is he doing it intentionally? Is he… putting on an act to get inside my head again?! The more Xiao Ning thought about it, the more irritated he became. So much so, two smashed pots found their way to the garbage while he was on the stove as a result.

Shen Yunjie wasn’t oblivious to the anger of his young master, but he believed the anger directed at him was due to his uselessness, and after spending the last few days in bed, he was tired of recuperating. Since Xiao Ning didn’t like him appearing at the front of the shop, he made it a habit to head to the backyard. He would clean up, do the laundry, and take care of the meals. Then, at night, he would take the initiative to quietly apply his ointment in front of Xiao Ning.

_{“My, my… Well, look at you now.” The old man was practically trembling with laughter. “Just a second ago, you were all obedient and meek when that silly kid was right in front of you.”}Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable. His throat became so swollen he couldn’t speak. All day long, he would let out low coughs, but he could still eat, albeit a little. But the day came when even that was impossible to achieve, and it was then Xiao Ning dragged him away to see Old Zhou in frustration.

“My, my… Well, look at you now.” The old man was practically trembling with laughter. “Just a second ago, you were all obedient and meek when that silly kid was right in front of you.”

_{Hearing his answer, Shen Yunjie stared at the path before them—at their shadows extended by the setting sun—until the distance forced them close.}
Shen Yunjie wasn’t oblivious to the anger of his young master, but he believed the anger directed at him was due to his uselessness, and after spending the last few days in bed, he was tired of recuperating. Since Xiao Ning didn’t like him appearing at the front of the shop, he made it a habit to head to the backyard. He would clean up, do the laundry, and take care of the meals. Then, at night, he would take the initiative to quietly apply his ointment in front of Xiao Ning.

Hearing his answer, Shen Yunjie stared at the path before them—at their shadows extended by the setting sun—until the distance forced them close.

_{Old Zhou rubbed his chin before eventually clicking his tongue and stating, “I have no power when it comes to the business between you two lads, but… You know you don’t have much time left, so why interfere with him? Is that truly necessary? When those eyes of yours permanently shut, the grudges between you two will be gone on your end, but he’ll be left all alone. Despite him being hard on the outside, we both know he’s nothing but mush within.}
Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable. His throat became so swollen he couldn’t speak. All day long, he would let out low coughs, but he could still eat, albeit a little. But the day came when even that was impossible to achieve, and it was then Xiao Ning dragged him away to see Old Zhou in frustration.

_{Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable.}Xiao Ning’s grip on Shen Yunjie’s hand again tightened; the feel of those fingers in his was cold. “So don’t ever ask me such nonsense in the future, understood?”

_{“My, my… Well, look at you now.” The old man was practically trembling with laughter. “Just a second ago, you were all obedient and meek when that silly kid was right in front of you.”}
Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”

“My, my… Well, look at you now.” The old man was practically trembling with laughter. “Just a second ago, you were all obedient and meek when that silly kid was right in front of you.”

_{The liquorice is hanging in the backyard,” Old Zhou stuffed a scale in his hand, “go weigh out two coins worth yourself.” Xiao Ning glanced back at Shen Yunjie again before turning and heading to the backyard.}Shen Yunjie stared at the old man before lowering his head with a sigh. “Please, don’t tell the young master.” It was a submissive plea, one from a beauty at that, and the type that can move a person’s heart.

_{Hearing his answer, Shen Yunjie stared at the path before them—at their shadows extended by the setting sun—until the distance forced them close.}Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”

Hearing his answer, Shen Yunjie stared at the path before them—at their shadows extended by the setting sun—until the distance forced them close.

_{“Alright. I won’t.” Shen Yunjie agreed with a nod.}
Xiao Ning said nothing, only turning back to look at Shen Yunjie, who sat waiting at the door of the clinic obediently. Dressed in nothing but a robe made of coarse cloth and not a single accessory of value attached, he leaned against the door frame in silence, a wooden hairpin his sole adornment. But even then, his dignified bearing, coupled with the glow of the setting sun shining at his feet, made him look otherworldly.

“Alright. I won’t.” Shen Yunjie agreed with a nod.

It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

_{Shen Yunjie stared at the old man before lowering his head with a sigh. “Please, don’t tell the young master.” It was a submissive plea, one from a beauty at that, and the type that can move a person’s heart.}Hearing his answer, Shen Yunjie stared at the path before them—at their shadows extended by the setting sun—until the distance forced them close.

_{This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.}N/A

This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.

_{“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.}Shen Yunjie wasn’t oblivious to the anger of his young master, but he believed the anger directed at him was due to his uselessness, and after spending the last few days in bed, he was tired of recuperating. Since Xiao Ning didn’t like him appearing at the front of the shop, he made it a habit to head to the backyard. He would clean up, do the laundry, and take care of the meals. Then, at night, he would take the initiative to quietly apply his ointment in front of Xiao Ning.

“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.

_{“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”}“Alright. I won’t.” Shen Yunjie agreed with a nod.

“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”

_{Xiao Ning said nothing, only turning back to look at Shen Yunjie, who sat waiting at the door of the clinic obediently. Dressed in nothing but a robe made of coarse cloth and not a single accessory of value attached, he leaned against the door frame in silence, a wooden hairpin his sole adornment.}
The liquorice is hanging in the backyard,” Old Zhou stuffed a scale in his hand, “go weigh out two coins worth yourself.” Xiao Ning glanced back at Shen Yunjie again before turning and heading to the backyard.

_{“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”}
For a short while, only two were left in the room. Old Zhou snuck over to Shen Yunjie, asking him in a whisper, “Tell me, how many years do ya have left?”

“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”

_{Shen Yunjie wasn’t oblivious to the anger of his young master, but he believed the anger directed at him was due to his uselessness, and after spending the last few days in bed, he was tired of recuperating. Since Xiao Ning didn’t like him appearing at the front of the shop, he made it a habit to head to the backyard.}Xiao Ning snorted at the old man’s complaints, snatched the bag, snatched Shen Yunjie, and left. At being dragged along, Shen Yunjie stumbled, finding it hard to find his footing, until he ultimately fell face-first into Xiao Ning.

_{But even then, he made sure that man was never lacking in anything, caring for him even now. Yes, he forced him to bed with him a few times, but why was that guy acting as though he was being tortured to death? Is he doing it intentionally? Is he… putting on an act to get inside my head again?! The more Xiao Ning thought about it, the more irritated he became.}At least, that was how Xie Yunyi believed things to be. Xiao Ning, on the other hand, has no idea of the wealth of knowledge Shen Yunjie was taught at Tianyi. The fact he was able to sneak around his father’s palace to search for evidence whilst avoiding the guard led him to believe the scope was far beyond anything he could imagine.

_{Shen Yunjie stared at the old man before lowering his head with a sigh. “Please, don’t tell the young master.” It was a submissive plea, one from a beauty at that, and the type that can move a person’s heart.}Xiao Ning snorted at the old man’s complaints, snatched the bag, snatched Shen Yunjie, and left. At being dragged along, Shen Yunjie stumbled, finding it hard to find his footing, until he ultimately fell face-first into Xiao Ning.

_{This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.}
Shen Yunjie lowered his eyes and recalled his aura of murderous intent; his voice kept at a whisper. “Zhou Yan, you’re Tian Nanxing’s Junior Martial Uncle, so how could I ever kill you to seal your tongue?”

This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.

_{“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.}N/A

“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.

_{Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable.}
Old Zhou paid little mind to Shen Yunji’s words and pulled up a three-legged stool to sit on, wobbling playfully as he spoke. “Did our little Xingxing tell you about me?”

_{This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.}It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.

_{Xiao Ning’s grip on Shen Yunjie’s hand again tightened; the feel of those fingers in his was cold. “So don’t ever ask me such nonsense in the future, understood?”}“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.

Xiao Ning’s grip on Shen Yunjie’s hand again tightened; the feel of those fingers in his was cold. “So don’t ever ask me such nonsense in the future, understood?”

_{This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.}“My, my… Well, look at you now.” The old man was practically trembling with laughter. “Just a second ago, you were all obedient and meek when that silly kid was right in front of you.”

This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.

_{“Alright. I won’t.” Shen Yunjie agreed with a nod.}
“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”

“Alright. I won’t.” Shen Yunjie agreed with a nod.

_{Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”}Old Zhou rubbed his chin before eventually clicking his tongue and stating, “I have no power when it comes to the business between you two lads, but… You know you don’t have much time left, so why interfere with him? Is that truly necessary? When those eyes of yours permanently shut, the grudges between you two will be gone on your end, but he’ll be left all alone. Despite him being hard on the outside, we both know he’s nothing but mush within. You, on the other hand, are a ruthless one through and through.”

Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”

_{Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable.}
“My, my… Well, look at you now.” The old man was practically trembling with laughter. “Just a second ago, you were all obedient and meek when that silly kid was right in front of you.”

_{The liquorice is hanging in the backyard,” Old Zhou stuffed a scale in his hand, “go weigh out two coins worth yourself.” Xiao Ning glanced back at Shen Yunjie again before turning and heading to the backyard.}Old Zhou rubbed his chin before eventually clicking his tongue and stating, “I have no power when it comes to the business between you two lads, but… You know you don’t have much time left, so why interfere with him? Is that truly necessary? When those eyes of yours permanently shut, the grudges between you two will be gone on your end, but he’ll be left all alone. Despite him being hard on the outside, we both know he’s nothing but mush within. You, on the other hand, are a ruthless one through and through.”

_{Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable.}“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”

_{Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.}“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”

Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.

_{Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”}
Shen Yunjie stared at the old man before lowering his head with a sigh. “Please, don’t tell the young master.” It was a submissive plea, one from a beauty at that, and the type that can move a person’s heart.

Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”

_{“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”}Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”

“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”

_{Shen Yunjie stared at the old man before lowering his head with a sigh. “Please, don’t tell the young master.” It was a submissive plea, one from a beauty at that, and the type that can move a person’s heart.}Hearing his answer, Shen Yunjie stared at the path before them—at their shadows extended by the setting sun—until the distance forced them close.

_N/AShen Yunjie’s face paled at those words, his heart tying into knots. “I… I never considered this…”

N/A

_{Chapter Sixteen}
Old Zhou rubbed his chin before eventually clicking his tongue and stating, “I have no power when it comes to the business between you two lads, but… You know you don’t have much time left, so why interfere with him? Is that truly necessary? When those eyes of yours permanently shut, the grudges between you two will be gone on your end, but he’ll be left all alone. Despite him being hard on the outside, we both know he’s nothing but mush within. You, on the other hand, are a ruthless one through and through.”

Chapter Sixteen

_{Chapter Sixteen}It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

Chapter Sixteen

_{“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.}In the past, when he found Shen Yunjie and took him back to the palace, the two were practically inseparable. From the school to the martial arts academy, wherever one was, the other followed. Whether it be etiquette, music, archery, riding, calligraphy, or mathematics, whatever Xie Yunyi learnt, Shen Yunjie learnt, too.

“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.

_{“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.}
Shen Yunjie’s face paled at those words, his heart tying into knots. “I… I never considered this…”

“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.

_{Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.}
“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.

Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.

_{“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”}This man was his beloved. This man was the one he hated to the depths of the deepest sea.

“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”

“Goodness!” Old Zhou scratched his messy hair and chuckled. “That’s a killer stare you got there. The kind that wants to put an end to a person to shut them up.”

_{Shen Yunjie’s face paled at those words, his heart tying into knots. “I… I never considered this…”}Because of that injury, there were times when Xiao Ning asked to use his mouth instead. But after a few too many rounds with that orifice, even that place became unusable. His throat became so swollen he couldn’t speak. All day long, he would let out low coughs, but he could still eat, albeit a little. But the day came when even that was impossible to achieve, and it was then Xiao Ning dragged him away to see Old Zhou in frustration.

Shen Yunjie’s face paled at those words, his heart tying into knots. “I… I never considered this…”

_{“My, my… Well, look at you now.” The old man was practically trembling with laughter. “Just a second ago, you were all obedient and meek when that silly kid was right in front of you.”}
Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”

“My, my… Well, look at you now.” The old man was practically trembling with laughter. “Just a second ago, you were all obedient and meek when that silly kid was right in front of you.”

_{“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”}Xiao Ning stopped in place, his head now hanging. “No. I will not. Do not forget who you are to me, Shen Yunjie. You are not my lover. You are my enemy and nothing more. Just because I spare your life does not mean I do not hate you with everything I have. So make no mistake, your death will be nothing but the rightful end to an old grudge.” His words were harsh and decisive, but not even Xiao Ning could be sure if they were for the man beside him or himself.

“That you’re a former disciple of the Yue Wangzou Sect (Medicinal Throne) who was expelled and forced to seek refuge in the sticks?”

_N/A
Xiao Ning snorted at the old man’s complaints, snatched the bag, snatched Shen Yunjie, and left. At being dragged along, Shen Yunjie stumbled, finding it hard to find his footing, until he ultimately fell face-first into Xiao Ning.

N/A

_{“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.}It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

“What did you never consider?” Xiao Ning appeared behind them wearing a sour expression; the scale in his hand was flung onto a table with a thud.

_{The liquorice is hanging in the backyard,” Old Zhou stuffed a scale in his hand, “go weigh out two coins worth yourself.” Xiao Ning glanced back at Shen Yunjie again before turning and heading to the backyard.}Old Zhou rubbed his chin before eventually clicking his tongue and stating, “I have no power when it comes to the business between you two lads, but… You know you don’t have much time left, so why interfere with him? Is that truly necessary? When those eyes of yours permanently shut, the grudges between you two will be gone on your end, but he’ll be left all alone. Despite him being hard on the outside, we both know he’s nothing but mush within. You, on the other hand, are a ruthless one through and through.”

_{Old Zhou rubbed his chin before eventually clicking his tongue and stating, “I have no power when it comes to the business between you two lads, but… You know you don’t have much time left, so why interfere with him? Is that truly necessary? When those eyes of yours permanently shut, the grudges between you two will be gone on your end, but he’ll be left all alone. Despite him being hard on the outside, we both know he’s nothing but mush within.}It was a pointless endeavour, as Xiao Ning had forbidden Shen Yunjie from going down to the second floor during those days he was ill, not wanting to see his sickly appearance.

_{Shen Yunjie stiffened before craning his head towards Old Zhou, his gaze harsh.}
“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.

Shen Yunjie stiffened before craning his head towards Old Zhou, his gaze harsh.

_{Old Zhou paid little mind to Shen Yunji’s words and pulled up a three-legged stool to sit on, wobbling playfully as he spoke. “Did our little Xingxing tell you about me?”}Xiao Ning snorted at the old man’s complaints, snatched the bag, snatched Shen Yunjie, and left. At being dragged along, Shen Yunjie stumbled, finding it hard to find his footing, until he ultimately fell face-first into Xiao Ning.

Old Zhou paid little mind to Shen Yunji’s words and pulled up a three-legged stool to sit on, wobbling playfully as he spoke. “Did our little Xingxing tell you about me?”

_{Old Zhou paid little mind to Shen Yunji’s words and pulled up a three-legged stool to sit on, wobbling playfully as he spoke. “Did our little Xingxing tell you about me?”}
Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.

Old Zhou paid little mind to Shen Yunji’s words and pulled up a three-legged stool to sit on, wobbling playfully as he spoke. “Did our little Xingxing tell you about me?”

_{Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.}Shen Yunjie stiffened before craning his head towards Old Zhou, his gaze harsh.

Shen Yunjie rubbed his throbbing forehead. “It was nothing…” His raspy voice trailed off in a cough.

_{Xiao Ning stopped in place, his head now hanging. “No.}
Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

_{Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”}The liquorice is hanging in the backyard,” Old Zhou stuffed a scale in his hand, “go weigh out two coins worth yourself.” Xiao Ning glanced back at Shen Yunjie again before turning and heading to the backyard.

Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

_{Shen Yunjie stiffened before craning his head towards Old Zhou, his gaze harsh.}
Xiao Ning’s expression softened, his hand on Shen Yunjie’s again leading him home. As they walked, Shen Yunjie broke the silence to softly ask, “Young master… if I died one day, would you be sad?”

Shen Yunjie stiffened before craning his head towards Old Zhou, his gaze harsh.

_{“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”}Old Zhou paid little mind to Shen Yunji’s words and pulled up a three-legged stool to sit on, wobbling playfully as he spoke. “Did our little Xingxing tell you about me?”

“Yes. I won’t ask such a thing again.”

_{At least, that was how Xie Yunyi believed things to be. Xiao Ning, on the other hand, has no idea of the wealth of knowledge Shen Yunjie was taught at Tianyi. The fact he was able to sneak around his father’s palace to search for evidence whilst avoiding the guard led him to believe the scope was far beyond anything he could imagine.}Shen Yunjie wasn’t oblivious to the anger of his young master, but he believed the anger directed at him was due to his uselessness, and after spending the last few days in bed, he was tired of recuperating. Since Xiao Ning didn’t like him appearing at the front of the shop, he made it a habit to head to the backyard. He would clean up, do the laundry, and take care of the meals. Then, at night, he would take the initiative to quietly apply his ointment in front of Xiao Ning.

_{It took about five days for Shen Yunjie’s full recovery, and during that time, Xiao Yuan got significantly closer to Xiao Ning. Every day, while Xiao Ning managed the shopfront, Xiao Yuan was right by his side keeping count of the money in his little jar.}
Xiao Ning stopped in place, his head now hanging. “No. I will not. Do not forget who you are to me, Shen Yunjie. You are not my lover. You are my enemy and nothing more. Just because I spare your life does not mean I do not hate you with everything I have. So make no mistake, your death will be nothing but the rightful end to an old grudge.” His words were harsh and decisive, but not even Xiao Ning could be sure if they were for the man beside him or himself.

_{Shen Yunjie lowered his eyes and recalled his aura of murderous intent; his voice kept at a whisper. “Zhou Yan, you’re Tian Nanxing’s Junior Martial Uncle, so how could I ever kill you to seal your tongue?”}
Hearing his answer, Shen Yunjie stared at the path before them—at their shadows extended by the setting sun—until the distance forced them close.

_{Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”}Hearing his answer, Shen Yunjie stared at the path before them—at their shadows extended by the setting sun—until the distance forced them close.

Xiao Ning noticed his unwillingness to answer, so he held back from asking further and only said simply, “You’re not allowed to say anything more than necessary to others.”

_{Hearing his answer, Shen Yunjie stared at the path before them—at their shadows extended by the setting sun—until the distance forced them close.}
Xiao Ning’s grip on Shen Yunjie’s hand again tightened; the feel of those fingers in his was cold. “So don’t ever ask me such nonsense in the future, understood?”

Hearing his answer, Shen Yunjie stared at the path before them—at their shadows extended by the setting sun—until the distance forced them close.

_{Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”}Upon seeing the repeat patient, Old Zhou couldn’t help but whisper to Xiao Ning while getting the medicine, “Is it really too much for you to treat him gently?”

Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”

_{At least, that was how Xie Yunyi believed things to be. Xiao Ning, on the other hand, has no idea of the wealth of knowledge Shen Yunjie was taught at Tianyi. The fact he was able to sneak around his father’s palace to search for evidence whilst avoiding the guard led him to believe the scope was far beyond anything he could imagine.}But even then, he made sure that man was never lacking in anything, caring for him even now. Yes, he forced him to bed with him a few times, but why was that guy acting as though he was being tortured to death? Is he doing it intentionally? Is he… putting on an act to get inside my head again?! The more Xiao Ning thought about it, the more irritated he became. So much so, two smashed pots found their way to the garbage while he was on the stove as a result.

_{“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.}Shen Yunjie fell silent, and Old Zhou got off the stool to put all the medicines in a bag before handing it to Xiao Ning. “Go, get lost already! You almost smashed my darn scale, too.”

“What were you just talking about with Lao Zhou?” Xiao Ning halted his steps and spat.

Author's Note:

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Notes:

N/A

Selling Cakes: C16

Chapter Sixteen

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