My Years in the Jianghu with the Prince: A Time of Unethical Conduct

Xie Yan soaked in the hot spring for a while and thought about it. She felt her mind clear up a lot from the steam, and suddenly she had a flash of inspiration.

"Your Majesty."

Because his voice was covered by a cloth, it sounded somewhat muffled and not as clear as usual.

But it's strangely kind of cute.

Chu Ling silently curled the corners of his lips and said, "Hmm?"

"How about we become sworn brothers?"

Chu Ling: "...Huh??"

Xie Yan continued, "I think the Prince has excellent character, and I admire him very much."

"And this way, no one will misunderstand our relationship."

After saying that, he nodded in satisfaction, as if he thought the plan was excellent.

After hearing his words, Chu Ling's expression became quite interesting.

Sometimes he really wanted to see what Xie Yan was thinking all day long.

Silence filled the air, and Xie Yan, who had been waiting for Chu Ling's response for a long time, was puzzled.

"Your Majesty?"

He raised his hand and placed it on his face, as if he wanted to lift the square scarf to look at Chu Ling.

But before he could even lift the lid, Yu Bai's deliberately amplified voice came from outside—

"Ah! Young Master Shen, Master Zixiao Manor and Sect Leader Xuanzhen, you...you're here to soak in the hot springs too?"

Then came the voice of the Master of Zixiao Manor, "Hehe, yes, the hot springs in the Martial Alliance have the effect of invigorating blood circulation and soothing the body and mind, so we agreed to come together."

"I originally intended to invite the Prince and Young Friend Xie as well, but I don't know where they went."

Yu Bai clutched the two sets of clothes tightly, glancing repeatedly at the hot spring, and chuckled dryly, "The Prince and Young Master Xie are already soaking in there..."

"Oh? That's perfect, let's go in and say hello to them."

As the three of them spoke, they were about to step inside.

"Wait!" Yu Bai exclaimed in alarm, and quickly stepped in front of them to block their way.

“Our prince… uh… he… he doesn’t like being disturbed while soaking in hot springs, so… so…”

Yu Bai stammered, unable to think of a good excuse for a moment, and in desperation could only bring up Chu Ling first.

"So...why don't you come back later?"

Heavens above! What if those three go in and stumble upon something they shouldn't have seen...?

Just imagine that scene, he could just commit suicide as an apology!

Perhaps it was because Yu Bai's expression was too exaggerated, standing in front of the three of them as if he would die on the spot to prove his innocence if they dared to go in.

The three of them looked at each other for a moment, somewhat bewildered.

The Purple Cloud Manor Lord paused in stroking his beard, and a strange feeling flashed through his mind as he looked at Yu Bai's blatant attempt to cover up his misunderstanding.

Is it possible...

However, before he could think further, Chu Ling's voice came from the hot spring.

"Yu Bai, let them in."

Yu Bai was taken aback and turned his head to look. He saw his prince, wearing an outer robe, calmly lifting the curtain and walking out from inside.

It seems... there's nothing unusual about it.

Yu Bai secretly breathed a sigh of relief and stepped aside.

"You've all arrived too, what a coincidence."

Chu Ling greeted them with a smile, appearing no different from usual.

The Purple Cloud Manor Lord and the others breathed a sigh of relief. Just now, seeing Yu Bai's posture, they thought something had happened and almost thought about that aspect.

In retrospect, they were probably overthinking things.

"I had intended to invite Your Highness and Young Friend Xie as well, but I didn't expect you to be so quick. We've been the ones who have bothered you." Master Zixiao chuckled a few times and exchanged pleasantries with Chu Ling.

Sect Leader Xuanzhen chuckled, "We thought something had happened when Guard Yu stopped us from entering."

"It was Yu Bai who was abrupt."

Chu Ling glanced at Yu Bai lightly, which startled the latter, who immediately shrank back. "I only asked him to guard outside, but I didn't expect him to make such a fuss. Please forgive me, everyone."

"No, no, Guard Yu was just doing his duty."

The group waved their hands, indicating that they didn't mind.

"By the way, is Your Highness leaving already?" Master Zixiao asked, looking at Chu Ling, who was wearing an outer robe and looked all tidy.

"Well, I've been soaking for quite a while. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

Chu Ling smiled and nodded, "Please make yourselves at home."

After saying that, he waved his hand, walked past the group, and left.

Seeing this, Yu Bai, clutching the clothes in his hands, was unsure whether to follow or wait for Xie Yan there.

Shen Yulin, watching Chu Ling's departing figure, realized what was happening and said, "The prince has left, so Brother Xie must still be inside."

"Perfect timing, I have another sword technique I'd like to ask Brother Xie for guidance on."

He quickly lifted the curtain and went inside.

Yu Bai looked at this simpleton with disappointment, but for the sake of their prince, he ultimately chose to stay.

So he followed Shen Yulin inside without leaving his side.

Then they saw Xie Yan standing by the hot spring pool, dressed and wearing a mask.

Shen Yulin: ...Why do you have to wear a mask when you come to soak in a hot spring?

Yu Bai: ...Where did you take this mask from?

Shen Yulin hesitated slightly before saying, "...Brother Xie?"

"Brother Shen, the two seniors have also arrived."

After tightening her belt, Xie Yan turned around and nodded to the people who came in.

"Young friend Xie, have you finished your soaking too?"

The Lord of Zixiao Manor was stunned for a moment when he saw Xie Yan, who was dressed neatly and even wearing a mask.

Are they really here to soak in the hot springs?

Xie Yan nodded and said calmly, "Yes, we've been soaking for quite a while now, it's time to go back and rest."

"Enjoy your time at the bar, see you tomorrow."

After saying that, Xie Yan followed Chu Ling's example, gestured to the others, and then slipped away with Yu Bai.

The three of them were left standing by the hot spring pool, looking at each other in bewilderment.

These two... there's something strange about them.

When Xie Yan returned to the side room, the candlestick in the inner room had been blown out. In the dim light, he could vaguely see a figure lying on the outside of the bed.

He paused for a moment, but didn't hesitate for long. After unbuttoning his coat and hanging it up, he blew out the last remaining candle in the outer room.

The doors and windows were tightly shut, plunging the room into complete darkness. A mask was placed on the table.

In the darkness, Xie Yan quietly climbed onto the bed, lifted the covers, and slipped inside.

Although the bed was large enough, with someone else beside me, I could still inevitably feel their body heat.

And... that faint scent of sandalwood.

Xie Yan twitched her nose a little awkwardly.

As soon as he lay down, someone wrapped their arms around his waist through the blanket.

Chu Ling's deep voice came, "Do you understand what I said at the hot spring just now?"

Xie Yan was taken aback, recalling the words Chu Ling had said to him before Shen Yulin and the others entered—

"But I don't want to be your brother."

Then, Chu Ling, who was silently waiting for a response, heard Xie Yan say hesitantly, "Could it be... that Your Highness also wants to adopt me as your godson?"

Chu Ling: "..."

Chu Ling was so angry that he laughed, and suddenly pulled the blanket up, covering Xie Yan's head with it.

"go to bed!"