Silent Lover (The Silent Concubine) - Chap 173

Chapter 173: You Really Like Carrying People, Don’t You?

Change his name?

Shen Yu froze for a moment. His parents had never called him by any name, and “Shen Yu” wasn’t even his original name. But ever since a domineering yet gentle voice had told him, From now on, you’ll be called Shen Yu, he had come to accept it as his identity.

“You’re Yu’er. You belong to me.”

Deep in his mind, that arrogant face resurfaced, along with that voice.

Shen Yu shuddered slightly.

Even though he had fled thousands of miles away, the thought of that man still filled him with dread. If that man found out he had changed his name, would he fly into a thunderous rage?

Then again, how would he ever find out? Shen Yu pressed his lips together, reassuring himself.

Yet the mere thought of no longer being called Shen Yu left him feeling hollow, as if he had lost his anchor, like a vital part of him was slipping away.

“I won’t change it.”

Shen Yu shook his head lightly but with firm resolve.

Hearing his refusal, Chu Ling’s gaze grew complicated. He was meticulous by nature and suspected Shen Yu’s reluctance had something to do with Jun Xuanxiao.

“Well… alright then. Names are important, but in the end, they’re just titles. If you don’t want to change it, then don’t.”

The old man didn’t press further either. Instead, he clung to Shen Yu, showering him with affection and warmth.

Chu Ling chuckled. “Yu’er, Great-Grandfather has a stubborn personality. It just shows how much he likes you.”

“Mind your own business,” the old man said with a cheerful grin. “It’s getting late. There’s no need to meet the other elders today; there’s plenty of time for that later. Yu’er, are you hungry? Let’s have dinner first!”

The old man reached for Shen Yu’s left hand but paused when he touched the bare spot on Shen Yu’s little finger. His face darkened.

“…Who did this?!”

The old man’s eyes reddened as he opened them wide in anger. His voice trembled with both fury and heartbreak, and he nearly struggled to catch his breath.

“Was it the Prince of the North? Or is it that current Emperor Xuan?! I knew it—it’s that wretched scoundrel!”

The old man had already launched into a tirade, pounding the floor with his cane. The people behind him were equally indignant, united in their shared outrage.

Shen Yu was speechless. While it did have something to do with Jun Xuanxiao, he had, in fact, done it to himself. Jun Xuanxiao was actually being wrongfully blamed.

But given Jun Xuanxiao’s numerous misdeeds, Shen Yu figured it wasn’t a bad thing for him to take the blame for this too.

After all, his skin was thick enough to endure the curses, and it wasn’t like he’d ever hear them.

Being cared for so tenderly by family and elders filled Shen Yu with warmth. His initial resistance to strangers began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of acceptance toward these people.

“These were troubles left behind by our ancestors… It shouldn’t have…” the old man murmured tearfully. “My grandson has suffered so much out there…”

Chu Ling quickly patted the old man’s back, soothing him. “Great-Grandfather, don’t be sad. He’s back now, isn’t he? This is a happy occasion. If you keep crying, you’ll make Yu’er feel bad too.”

Hearing this, the old man finally calmed down. He held Shen Yu’s hand and led him into the house, seating him by his side at the head of the table.

Dinner had already been prepared. After days of traveling with little to eat, Shen Yu’s appetite was piqued by the enticing dishes laid out before him.

The Chu clan wasn’t just intelligent and well-educated—they were excellent cooks as well.

During the meal, relatives warmly asked Shen Yu questions while introducing various family members. Their voices were soft and restrained, creating an atmosphere that was lively but not chaotic.

Shen Yu noticed the exquisite craftsmanship of the tableware. Although it wasn’t as opulent as the palace’s gold and silver decor, everything was elegant and tasteful. Each dish was paired with the perfect porcelain plate, and wines—yellow wine, rice wine, and fruit wine—were served in distinct cups. Even the chopsticks had carved designs.

No wonder Chu Ling carried himself with such grace and refinement. Growing up in a family that valued culture and etiquette naturally instilled a unique charm.

Shen Yu, unbothered by formalities, ate to his heart’s content. Afterward, Chu Ling escorted him to the Qionghu Pavilion, the courtyard arranged for him. By then, it was late at night. Outside the small courtyard stood a tall, motionless figure.

“Yu’er had some wine. Please help him change and settle in,” Chu Ling said firmly to Jun Xuanxiao.

Shen Yu found himself enveloped in strong arms. Looking up, he saw the familiar demon mask. When he first saw it, it had frightened him. Now, he was so used to it that even having the masked figure in his room felt natural.

“Dark Guard… have you eaten?” Shen Yu asked, his voice slurred with drunkenness. His head swayed slightly as he reached out to touch the mask, only for the Dark Guard to dodge.

Shen Yu thought he heard a faint huff from beneath the mask. Before he could process it, his body was lifted effortlessly and gently placed on a soft couch.

He squinted, almost asleep, mumbling incoherently, “Dark Guard… you really like carrying people, don’t you…”

Jun Xuanxiao crossed his arms, staring at Shen Yu with a displeased expression.

Shen Yu, who previously couldn’t handle alcohol, had now started drinking. It didn’t take much for him to get drunk.

It must have been those meddlesome relatives deliberately getting him drunk.