Silent Lover (The Silent Concubine) - Chap 151
When Chu Ling went to see Shen Yu, he didn’t wear the official uniform of Goryeo, but instead changed into a sky-blue long robe with gold trim, adorned with a jade crown on his forehead, completely resembling the attire favored by the Chu people of the previous dynasty…
His originally tall and slender figure appeared even more statuesque, comparable to Jun Xuanxiao, though he was not as robust and sturdy; his shoulders were slightly narrower, giving him a scholarly elegance like that of a tall bamboo.
“This outfit of yours is already out of fashion,” Jun Xuanxiao said dismissively. He had not initially noticed how Chu Ling looked, but with his attire, he exuded an air of refined elegance. Jun Xuanxiao suspected that he was trying to impress Shen Yu by dressing so meticulously, which made him feel a twinge of jealousy…
Bringing another man to meet Yu’er, something Jun Xuanxiao hadn’t even considered himself, made him involuntarily straighten his chest, subtly vying for dominance…
But he had already promised, so backing out now would seem petty.
Chu Ling seemed unaware of Jun Xuanxiao’s hostility and smiled, “I’m used to wearing Chu country clothes; please don’t mind it, Your Highness.”
Hmph.
Jun Xuanxiao snorted lightly. What did he have to mind? Although Chu Ling indeed had an exceptional demeanor, Jun Xuanxiao was more confident in himself…
As Jun Xuanxiao dismounted his black steed, he saw Shen Yu standing outside, eagerly looking forward, which made him raise an eyebrow slightly.
It seemed that Shen Yu really was looking forward to seeing family, his bright eyes sparkling with excitement, and his good mood was almost written all over his face…
When Shen Yu’s gaze fell on Chu Ling and he didn’t even spare a glance for Jun Xuanxiao, the latter called out loudly…
“Yu’er!”
Still no look in his direction…
The frown that had lingered on Shen Yu’s face finally relaxed; upon seeing Chu Ling, he felt a sense of familiarity, perhaps because blood ties enhance affection, or maybe it was just that Shen Yu longed for family…
Regardless, the bully truly had not toyed with him this time.
“Are you called Yu’er?”
Chu Ling asked kindly, happily examining Shen Yu…
Shen Yu nodded. Chu Ling’s smile was warm as he reached out to ruffle Shen Yu’s hair with brotherly fondness…
“Indeed, you are the descendant of our Chu clan; Yu’er is truly good-looking. Even among the Chu people, you are one in a million. At least, I have never seen anyone more beautiful than you. I am Chu Ling, and since I should call your mother my aunt, you can call me brother.”
Shen Yu did not speak; although he felt Chu Ling’s warmth, he was still a stranger he had just met and felt shy to respond…
Shen Yu tugged at Chu Ling’s sleeve, inviting him inside.
Jun Xuanxiao had warned Yu’er that he had just learned to speak, and he usually remained silent around strangers, so Chu Ling was not surprised and followed him in…
Completely ignored by Shen Yu, Jun Xuanxiao, who lagged behind, was consumed by jealousy, his eyes blazing with fury…
Shen Yu and Chu Ling sat facing each other, while Jun Xuanxiao hurriedly plopped himself down next to Shen Yu, squeezing in tightly…
Shen Yu glanced at him sideways…
The bully was indeed a bully; he took up a lot of space on the soft mat, causing Shen Yu to scoot over.
“Yu’er, your home is really nice; it’s quiet and undisturbed,” Chu Ling said, glancing around and sincerely praising…
Jun Xuanxiao grimaced and picked up a cup of tea; he had arranged everything perfectly for Yu’er, did it need his praise?
“Your parents…” Chu Ling gently inquired. Shen Yu’s expression dimmed slightly, but he calmly replied, “They have passed away.”
Jun Xuanxiao nearly spat out his tea.
After a long time of coaxing and persuading, he had only gotten Shen Yu to say one word, and yet this relative he had known for less than half a cup of tea had gotten Yu’er to open up…
He had gained two extra words!
If it had been a close family member like Bian Shisi, that would be understandable, but what was this Chu Ling?
“Do you have any other siblings or relatives left?” Chu Ling continued to ask…
Shen Yu shook his head, “Since my mother passed away, I am the only one.”
Jun Xuanxiao’s wolf-like eyes stared coldly at Chu Ling as he chewed on a sesame twist, crunching loudly, as if he were gnawing on Chu Ling’s bones…
“Your Highness…” Chu Ling could not help but say, “I wish to speak privately with Yu’er; would you mind stepping out for a moment? If Your Highness is worried, you may stay at the door.”
Jun Xuanxiao slapped the table, and though he controlled his strength, it still made the teacup jump…
Just as he was about to explode in anger, he saw Shen Yu looking at him with annoyance. Jun Xuanxiao’s raging temper felt like it was buried under dirt, forcibly suppressed…
“Yu’er, do you want to speak with him alone?” Jun Xuanxiao asked…
Shen Yu nodded, of course; it was him making all the noise since he entered, like a wild bull crashing into the room, disrupting their conversation…
Jun Xuanxiao took a deep breath, forcing his anger down and swallowing his impulse to throw Chu Ling out. He had vowed to respect Shen Yu’s wishes and no longer act arbitrarily.
“Alright then, if you have anything to say, just call for me,” Jun Xuanxiao stood up and left the room, closing the door with a gaze sharp enough to almost slice Chu Ling into pieces…
Jun Xuanxiao didn’t leave; he wanted to hear what Chu Ling could possibly say to Yu’er in private…
“Your Highness,”
As the stable boy passed by, he saw Jun Xuanxiao leaning in, eavesdropping, and wondered how such a dignified prince would do something so… underhanded…
Jun Xuanxiao glared at the stable boy, straightened up, and stood with his hands behind his back…
“Ahem, this…” Jun Xuanxiao fumed, “Get lost! What business is it of yours what this prince does?!”
“Yes, yes…”
The stable boy, scared and trembling, quickly scurried away with his horse.
