thank you beks for the ko-fi! this is 1/2 of the promised bonus chapters!
On the following day, the Crown Prince invited Jiang Xiaoman to visit Changle Palace. Jiang Xiaoman was more than willing to accept the gracious invitation.
At the mere thought of the protagonist and the female lead finally meeting, Jiang Xiaoman was overcome with joy, feeling as though he had taken a significant step closer to his journey back home.
By now, the Crown Prince must have developed some interest in Nangong Xue. With a little nudge and guidance, if he fosters their relationship, when the time is right, he could proclaim Nangong Xue as the chosen one for the Crown Prince, urging her to attend to the Crown Prince’s leg.
At that time, the Crown Prince would be able to run, jump, and even lean intimately towards Nangong Xue. Their relationship would naturally flourish and reach its full potential.
After that, it wouldn’t concern him anymore. With the possibility of an early recovery, he might even catch up in time to participate in military training.
“Immortal, you have been summoned.”
Jiang Xiaoman alighted from the sedan chair, finally arriving at the Changle Palace.
The novel depicted Changle Palace as dark and mysterious. During the female lead’s initial clandestine entry in search of clues about the Immortal Slayer Sword, she accidentally stumbled into the arms of the protagonist due to the dimly lit surroundings, leading to their first intimate encounter.
Jiang Xiaoman couldn’t fully appreciate the darkness described in the novel until he experienced it himself. Now that he’s here, he realized just how truly dark it was.
The palace doors and windows were tightly shut, an eerie silence pervaded the surroundings, devoid of palace maids and eunuchs. Even the room furnishings were scarce, resembling an abandoned cold palace that hadn’t seen habitation in ages.
Not a whisper of life stirred, as if the very essence of the air had succumbed to stillness.
Jiang Xiaoman silently surveyed Changle Palace, suddenly struck by a peculiar sense of familiarity with the surroundings. It seemed as if he had encountered a similar scene somewhere before…
“Immortal, please come this way.” Tongguang emerged from the corner, startling Jiang Xiaoman.
Following behind Tongguang for a while, Jiang Xiaoman finally laid eyes on the Crown Prince.
The room was dimly lit, illuminated only by a few lamps at the table. The Crown Prince, dressed in white attire today, had loosely tied his long hair. His expression was inscrutable, lending him an eerie countenance under the dim, flickering light.
Jiang Xiaoman was seated opposite the Crown Prince as arranged. However, upon sitting down, the Crown Prince remained silent, leaving Jiang Xiaoman at a loss for words. Both individuals exchanged glances, but silence enveloped the space between them.
There was only a teapot on the table, leaving Jiang Xiaoman somewhat disappointed.
Without any refreshments prepared, is he not afraid that this immortal will summon a great tiger to scratch him? Jiang Xiaoman pondered randomly, unable to catch sight of Nangong Xue. After a moment of restraint, he couldn’t help but inquire, “Your Highness, what about the newly summoned palace attendant?”
“The immortal seems to have taken notice of her; it’s been said that the immortal has aided her on two occasions?”
Jiang Xiaoman wasn’t particularly surprised that the Crown Prince was aware of his whereabouts. The Crown Prince’s fondness for the female lead made him attentive to any happenings involving her. This was a crucial moment in their relationship, and he needed to speak favorably of the heroine. Perhaps, if the Crown Prince were pleased, some refreshments might appear.
Jiang Xiaoman remarked, “It was a small favor; nothing substantial. Besides, she is a good person, and this humble one couldn’t bear to see her punished.”
The Crown Prince inquired, “In what way is she a good person?”
Still want me to praise her? Jiang Xiaoman felt the Crown Prince was shameless.
But since he insisted on hearing it, I’ll speak. Jiang Xiaoman continued, “She possesses remarkable wit and intelligence, along with a graceful demeanor. Her inherent elegance suggests boundless potential in her future endeavors.”
“Is that so?” The Crown Prince chuckled softly, yet there was not a hint of amusement in his gaze fixed upon Jiang Xiaoman.
Deceiver.
A deceitful lecher.
From the very beginning, he had harbored the belief that this Living Immortal was a fraud. However, despite dispatching Tongguang to investigate, nothing conclusive had surfaced at the moment.
Yet, regardless of the authenticity, the fact remained glaringly evident—this individual was a licentious fellow. Having only entered the palace for a few days, he had already set his sights on a palace maid, even seeking her out twice.
If one were to claim this as intervening in an unjust situation, aiding the helpless, that could be considered. However, his summoning of that palace maid into the palace seemed more like waiting for the immortal to reveal his true colors. Indeed, within less than a moment, he immediately brought up the matter concerning that palace maid.
Unaware of what the Crown Prince was thinking, Jiang Xiaoman innocently inquired, “Why isn’t that palace maid here?”
With a gesture, Tongguang went to summon Nangong Xue.
Nangong Xue, still dressed in her palace maid attire, cast a glare at Jiang Xiaoman upon seeing him there.
Nangong Xue was undeniably stunning; as she stepped out, the entire Changle Palace seemed to brighten up. Standing obediently behind the Crown Prince after being summoned, Jiang Xiaoman seated across from them couldn’t help but notice the striking harmony between the two—the handsome man and the beautiful woman. At that moment, he couldn’t shake off the feeling of envy.
Despite the eccentricities of the male lead and the meticulousness of the female lead, their good looks were undeniable.
Jiang Xiaoman felt a twinge of envy.
As the Crown Prince noticed Jiang Xiaoman gazing foolishly at the palace maid behind him, a chill crept into his heart. Openly lecherous, and yet claiming to be a cultivator1? What a joke!
Initially, he had considered that while this individual might be a fraud, at least he had an agreeable appearance. He had thought of amusing himself for a bit before expelling him from the palace. However, what he detested most was a lecherous person. The moment he contemplated the depravity within this person’s heart, a sense of murderous intent arose within him.
“Does the immortal have any marital arrangements?”
With the Crown Prince suddenly posing such a question, Jiang Xiaoman was perplexed about his intentions.
But upon closer inspection, the Crown Prince’s slightly furrowed brow hinted at some underlying emotions.
Clever as Jiang Xiaoman was, he understood immediately. The Crown Prince had developed feelings for Nangong Xue, but due to her humble position as a mere palace maid, he was unsure whether to make a move or not, hence his hesitation.
How could a domineering cripple bother himself with such matters?
Jiang Xiaoman would not allow it.
“As someone devoted to cultivation, this humble one naturally refrains from worldly attachments,” Jiang Xiaoman spoke leisurely. Shifting gears, he added, “However, as an ordinary person, if one meets someone special, it’s important not to let go of that connection easily.”
At this point, Jiang Xiaoman glanced at Nangong Xue and then at the Crown Prince, offering the Crown Prince a knowing look. Although he had mentioned the potential arrival of a destined woman in the future, he didn’t dare to be too direct. Instead, he aimed to subtly suggest, laying the groundwork for them to nurture their relationship first.
However, as the Crown Prince noticed Jiang Xiaoman once again gazing at Nangong Xue, a surge of anger erupted within him.
He typically exhibited an enigmatic temperament and seldom revealed his emotions. However, this time, he couldn’t resist but inquire, “Is that the case? According to the immortal’s perception, how does one ascertain if another is indeed their destined individual?”
Though Jiang Xiaoman had never been a pig farmer, he had raised pigs before; he hadn’t experienced love himself, but he had observed others in love. Adjusting his robe, he leaned slightly towards the Crown Prince and said, “Fate is something that even the most insightful person cannot fully explain. However, if you find that your gaze is unable to stray away from her, then she must undoubtedly be the one destined for you.”
After Jiang Xiaoman finished speaking, he cast a subtle glance towards Nangong Xue, thinking, Consider this perspective as well. If one day you find your eyes unable to stray from the Crown Prince, it may signify a destined connection between you and the crippled man.
Nangong Xue, sensing an odd atmosphere, responded with a puzzled expression, “?”
The Crown Prince, noticing Jiang Xiaoman once again gazing at Nangong Xue, fell silent, feeling a sense of unease, “…………”
“In this world, what semblance of love and affection exists? Mere words,” said the Crown Prince. “Talk of destiny or fate is but a guise for mutual exploitation.”
With the Crown Prince’s unfriendly tone, Jiang Xiaoman was unsure where he had misspoken.
Should I offer the Crown Prince some milk candy? But who would want to eat sweets from a grumpy old man? Jiang Xiaoman quickly signaled Nangong Xue, gesturing for her to pour some tea. With the hope that having the female lead nearby might improve the Crown Prince’s mood.
Nangong Xue had entered the palace to steal royal treasures, never expecting to be serving tea at this moment. Seeing the displeasure on the Crown Prince’s face, she thought, What’s there to be proud of? It’s irritating just looking at him.
Upon seeing this palace maid’s breathtaking beauty yet witnessing her slightly displeased expression, the Crown Prince was instantly reminded of the visage of someone he despised, causing further irritation in his heart.
Both of them found each other disagreeable, and suddenly, the Crown Prince waved his hand. It turned out that Nangong Xue, inattentive, had accidentally spilled tea on his hand.
The tea wasn’t scalding, but it was adding fuel to the fire. The Crown Prince immediately slammed the table and commanded, “Get out!”
“Careful! Are you injured?” Jiang Xiaoman, perplexed by the unfolding situation, expressed concern about any potential harm to the Crown Prince. However, upon hearing these words, the Crown Prince interpreted them as directed towards Nangong Xue, further igniting his fury.
The Crown Prince, attempting to rise by supporting himself on the table, faced difficulties due to his leg impairment. Meanwhile, Nangong Xue, attempting to escape, coincidentally collided with him. With a thud, both of them fell to the ground simultaneously.
So they rolled together like that? Was this how they first bumped into each other in the original work?
But why do both of them look like they want to kill each other?
“Wait, where are you going?”
Nangong Xue got up, huffing with anger, disregarding her disheveled hair and clothes from the collision, and left directly.
Seeing the female lead hastily departing while the male lead remained on the ground, Jiang Xiaoman grew even more anxious, feeling that something was amiss with the script.
“Your Highness!” Tongguang, hearing the commotion, hurried forward to assist the Crown Prince.
Upon seeing Tongguang attempting to lift the Crown Prince, Jiang Xiaoman hastily called out, “Wait! Don’t move!”
At this moment, Jiang Xiaoman set aside any considerations about being a cultivator. He quickly got up and knelt directly in front of the Crown Prince, checking to see if the Crown Prince had sustained any injuries from the collision.
“Don’t touch me!”
“Don’t worry, let me2 check.”
The Crown Prince remained visibly grimacing with gritted teeth, but that fall had been quite a solid one. Jiang Xiaoman was worried about any potential problems resulting from the impact. After a quick check and finding no major issues, he felt confident enough to assist the Crown Prince up.
“Immortal, allow me to do it,” Tongguang hurried forward upon seeing Jiang Xiaoman about to help. Despite this immortal appearing youthful, reports claimed that he was already eighty years old. Carrying the Crown Prince with these eighty-year-old bones might lead to unforeseen issues, and there was no telling who would need assistance then.
However, Jiang Xiaoman asked him to wait and then extended his hand to support the Crown Prince. Without a word, he lifted the Crown Prince from the ground and, somehow managing it, effortlessly turned and gently placed the Crown Prince back onto his chair.
Tongguang appeared as though he had witnessed something extraordinary, “?”
The Crown Prince, being lifted and settled back into his seat by someone a head shorter and allegedly eighty years old, had a bewildered expression, “???”
Jiang Xiaoman advised, “Be gentle with your movements. If you handle him roughly like that, he’ll be in pain.”
Jiang Xiaoman grew up in a mountain village where there were many elderly but few young people. Whenever an elderly person fell ill, he always offered help. To assist them better, he went as far as researching and learned that caring for the sick was a skill. With proper technique, lifting someone heavier than oneself wasn’t an issue. However, without the right approach, simply using brute force not only made lifting impossible but also caused pain to the individual.
Seeing the Crown Prince’s leg impairment and his generally eccentric behavior, Jiang Xiaoman realized that even if the Crown Prince was in pain, he might choose to remain silent out of concern for his dignity. This made Jiang Xiaoman unable to bear the thought of the Crown Prince suffering.
After carrying him and setting him down, Jiang Xiaoman suddenly realized that his action might have been a bit too heroic.
At a glance, Tongguang seemed to be looking at him with a complicated expression, while the Crown Prince’s expression was also unpredictable, leaving Jiang Xiaoman unsure of what was going through their minds.
The three of them fell into silence.
Feeling awkward with the silence, Jiang Xiaoman discreetly pulled out his last piece of candy and subtly offered it to the Crown Prince, saying, “How about… having some of this celestial elixir?”
Jiang Xiaoman, unsure of what he was saying, quickly found an excuse and hurriedly left the scene.
After Jiang Xiaoman left, only the master and servant remained in the Changle Palace.
“Your Highness, are you feeling unwell?” Tongguang asked with a worried expression.
“There is little else to discuss,” remarked the Crown Prince. Having moments ago struggled to rise with the aid of the table, he now effortlessly stood and made his way to the bedside. “I am weary. You may take your leave,” he expressed to Tongguang with a composed tone.
Rongting reclined on the bed, holding the so-called ‘celestial elixir’ in his hand.
Under the candlelight, he examined the celestial elixir, which emitted a milky fragrance, exuding a sweet scent.
Which sect could possibly concoct such a sweet celestial elixir?
He placed the celestial elixir in his mouth, and a sweet milky flavor instantly spread within.
The flavor triggered a recollection of the earlier encounter; the immortal exuded a subtle sweetness. While it remained elusive from a distance, during the moment when the immortal embraced him with a concerned gaze, he discerned a gentle and warm sweetness lingering in the air.
Very well, for now, I won’t kill him.
1Just so we’re clear, 修道 xiū dào refers to someone who cultivates oneself according to a religious doctrine; in our situation, MC is an ‘immortal’, not a farmer LOL
2Actually used 我 ‘me’ and not ‘this humble one’!
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