Jun You Ji Fou

Chapter 2

Su Shiyu's smile deepened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke in his usual gentle tone, "Are you sick?"

"Love-sick," Chu Mingyun replied without hesitation.

"My apologies," Su Shiyu nodded, then turned and walked away.

"I'll wait for the day you change your mind," Chu Mingyun said tenderly, watching until the other's figure had disappeared before allowing a slight smirk to play on his lips. He didn't mind the complex glances from the other officials, reflecting on their conversation and feeling that, although his acting might have been a bit over the top, the effect was quite dramatic and satisfying.

Today, Lord Chu left the palace with a noticeably lighter step.

On a leisurely summer day, the guards at the Su residence couldn't help but lift their heads, squinting to enjoy the splendid sunlight. Just as they were basking in the comfort of the moment, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly broke the tranquility. One guard positioned his halberd to block the rushing figure, demanding sharply, "Who goes there?"

The newcomer barely stopped in time to avoid collision, panting heavily as he propped himself up on his knees and lifted his face, revealing the delicate features of a young man. Su Bai wiped the sweat from his forehead, "It's me!"

Recognizing him as the young master's personal attendant, the guard quickly lowered his weapon, apologized, and then couldn't help but tease with a laugh, "What's the hurry? Did you lose the young master?"

"Cut it out," Su Bai replied irritably. "There's big trouble. Where's the young master?"

"I saw the young master heading towards the study not long ago; he should still be there."

Su Bai immediately dashed towards the study, barging in without catching his breath, exclaiming, "Young master! There's a serious problem!"

The two people inside ceased their conversation and turned to look. Seeing the middle-aged man beside his master, Su Bai's legs went weak, and he lowered his head, closing his mouth.

The steward, Su Yi, turned back to Su Shiyu, bowed, and said, "I'll take my leave now." After receiving a nod from Su Shiyu, Su Yi approached Su Bai, frowning and scolding in a low voice, "Show some manners. What's with this impatience?"

Su Bai hung his head dejectedly, "Dad..."

With Su Shiyu present, Su Yi refrained from saying more, giving his son a warning glare before departing.

Su Shiyu stood behind his desk, smiling gently, "Didn't bother to find out who was inside before barging in, and got scolded again, didn't you?"

Su Bai finally lifted his head, touching his nose sheepishly, "The young master is always understanding." He approached and noticed an invitation in Su Shiyu's hand, "What's this?"

"A banquet invitation from the newly crowned top scholar, Song Heng. He wishes to celebrate in a few days," Su Shiyu explained, setting the invitation aside. "He was articulate and upright during the palace examination; seems like someone worth getting to know."

"Oh," Su Bai nodded.

"What was it you wanted to say? What's this big trouble?" Su Shiyu inquired.

"Oh!" Su Bai snapped back to reality, hastily saying, "Everyone outside is talking about how Grand Commandant Chu is infatuated with you!"

Su Shiyu took a sip of tea, responding indifferently, "Baseless rumors."

"But, but it's all over the tea houses! Lord Chu is going out of his way to find out your preferences, even wanting to know the places you've visited. He’s even dismissed all the beauties from his house..." Su Bai looked troubled, "I don't think it's made up."

"Do you believe that someone who has had such little contact with me would suddenly declare their infatuation?" Su Shiyu looked at him.

Su Bai nodded, then, meeting Su Shiyu's gaze, quickly shook his head.

"Let the rumors be. Arguing against them might make us seem defensive. Better to let them fade on their own."

"But that won't do, young master!" Su Bai said anxiously. "If this continues, it'll be difficult for you to start a family in the future! You're not married yet, and with these rumors now, not to mention the misunderstandings... Just seeing the lengths to which Grand Commandant Chu is going, what lady would dare marry you!"

"You're thinking quite far ahead," Su Shiyu sighed, seeing Su Bai's agitated state, and reluctantly reached for the jade pendant in his sleeve. "Then you suggest..."

"No, you don't understand the extent of their talk!" Su Bai interrupted hastily, his face turning red as he struggled to find the words, finally gritting his teeth and saying, "They say you embody stern righteousness, while Chu Mingyun, in the privacy of his chambers, would likely be... submissive."

Su Shiyu retracted his hand, leisurely picking up his tea, and with an "oh," nodded and smiled, "Then isn't that a compliment to me? It's just idle gossip; no need to take it to heart."

Surprise, then complexity, and finally admiration after an epiphany crossed Su Bai's face. "Young master, you truly are magnanimous!"

"Let's not talk about this anymore," Su Shiyu chuckled. "What about the person you were sent to meet?"

"I've met with them; they should be here by now, just behind me."