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

Chapter 91 Sleeping with enough rest

Just as the group was talking, the small talk between Xiang Qingsheng and the Master of Zixiao Manor was coming to an end.

“My master has been unwell lately, and it is now late, so it is probably inconvenient for him to receive guests.”

Xiang Qingsheng glanced at everyone, his face apologetic, and cupped his hands, saying, "Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."

The Lord of Zixiao Manor stroked his beard and smiled, "The old alliance leader's health is of utmost importance, so we will not disturb him. We can discuss everything tomorrow."

"Yes," the Xuanzhen Sect leader nodded in agreement. "Please ask Nephew Xiang to go back and tell the old alliance leader to take good care of himself."

"In that case, I will thank you both for your concern on behalf of my master," Xiang Qingsheng said with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting once more.

Although he was of average appearance, he had an extraordinary demeanor, and his smile was exceptionally gentle, and his words were like a spring breeze.

"You must all be tired from your long journey. Why don't you come with me to rest?"

Seeing the group of unfamiliar faces he had never seen before, he didn't ask any questions and, with perfect timing, led them on their way.

It wasn't until they actually set foot on this watery world that they realized it was much larger than they had imagined.

The exquisite little buildings are nestled against the mountain and built on the water, connected to each other by small wooden bridges and boardwalks.

Within it are countless winding corridors, making it seem like a maze at first glance.

Xiang Qingsheng walked ahead, leading everyone towards the guest courtyard while introducing the group to Xie Yan and her entourage, who were clearly visiting for the first time.

"This water village was designed by the third leader of the alliance eighty years ago. Each subsequent leader expanded it several times on the original basis, which is how it came to its current size."

"Although this place looks complicated, you can find the exit or your accommodation by simply following the lanterns hanging on this covered bridge."

As everyone looked up, they saw lanterns hanging every few steps along the covered bridge, each marked with a different symbol, clearly a lot of thought had been put into their design.

Along the way, everyone subtly observed the old alliance leader's eldest disciple.

Xiang Qingsheng seemed oblivious to the stares he was receiving, maintaining a gentle and polite smile throughout the journey, occasionally exchanging words with the Master of Zixiao Manor and the Head of Xuanzhen Sect.

Occasionally, she would also consider others, subtly steer the conversation in a direction where everyone could chime in.

His words were measured and appropriate, showing that the old leader had indeed put a lot of effort into cultivating this eldest disciple.

If his martial arts skills are even more outstanding, then the position of the next leader of the alliance will surely belong to him.

Before long, Xiang Qingsheng led the group to several courtyards.

"These courtyards are prepared for guests, and they are fully equipped. Please feel free to make your own arrangements," Xiang Qingsheng said, pointing to the small courtyards built along the water.

Master Zixiao smiled and said, "Nephew Xiang, go ahead and get busy. We will make the arrangements ourselves."

“In that case, I will take my leave now.” Xiang Qingsheng cupped his hands and smiled. “If you need anything, you may call my disciples. I will come again tomorrow to invite you to visit my master.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Xiang Qingsheng smiled again before turning to leave.

After he left, the Master of Zixiao Manor glanced at the courtyards, then turned to Chu Ling and his group, and said, "In that case, let us rest for the night."

Seeing Chu Ling nod, the Master of Zixiao Manor and the Sect Leader of Xuanzhen Sect each chose a spot and led their disciples inside.

Shen Yulin glanced at the remaining two courtyards, then turned to Xie Yan and said, "Brother Xie and I hit it off immediately. Why don't you stay with me this time? We can have a long talk by candlelight."

As soon as he finished speaking, a collective gasp came from behind him from Yu Bai and the others.

Several people: "Hiss—"

Shen Yulin paused, turned his head, and saw Yu Bai and the others frantically winking at him.

Shen Yulin: "?"

Confused, he turned back to look at Xie Yan, waiting for his reply.

Then they saw Chu Ling put his hand on Xie Yan's shoulder and pull her closer to him.

"I appreciate your kindness, Young Master Shen, but we have always lived and ate together, and sometimes we even sleep side by side at night to discuss important matters. I'm afraid this would be inconvenient, so I won't bother you any longer."

Chu Ling smiled politely at Shen Yulin.

After saying that, before Shen Yulin could react, Chu Ling put his arm around Xie Yan and walked towards another courtyard.

Shen Yulin watched the two figures disappear into the distance, opening his mouth as if to speak. After a long pause, he sighed, "The relationship between Your Highness and Brother Xie is truly wonderful, even better than that of blood brothers!"

Yu Bai and the others: ...You're so naive!

Xie Yan was led into the courtyard by Chu Ling. She glanced outside and, seeing that no one was following, took Chu Ling's hand off her shoulder.

"How come I have no idea when I slept side by side with the prince?"

Chu Ling looked at him, then naturally withdrew his hand and put it behind his back.

"You don't actually want to sleep with Shen Yulin, do you? And then be woken up before dawn every day for sparring, and after that, you have to discuss the Dao with him for several hours, and after that..."

"stop."

Xie Yan thought about it carefully and felt that this was indeed something Shen Yulin was capable of doing, so she decisively reached out to interrupt Chu Ling before he could finish speaking.

"Then let's sleep side by side."

A sly glint flashed in Chu Ling's eyes. He reached out and pushed open the door to the inner room, giving Xie Yan an ambiguous smile, and said, "Please."

Xie Yan: ...I think I've fallen into a trap.

Stepping into the side room, one could see that the members of the Martial Alliance were extremely meticulous in their work.

Candles had already been lit in the room, and the bedding on the bed was dry and fluffy, obviously having been aired out beforehand. A charcoal brazier had also been lit by the window, and the temperature was just right.

Chu Ling reached out and unfastened his cloak, turned to look at Xie Yan who was still standing motionless at the door, raised an eyebrow, and said, "What? Does our famous Young Master Xie actually go back on his word?"

Xie Yan glanced at the only bed in the room, then turned to look at Chu Ling, who was smiling at her, and fell silent.

He took a deep breath and said dryly, "Your Highness may not know, but actually... I'm not very well-behaved when I sleep."

"It would be bad if His Highness were to bump or fall somewhere."

"What a coincidence."

Chu Ling curled his lips, slowly reached out and took off the golden crown on his head, saying, "Perfect, I don't sleep very well anyway."

Seeing that Xie Yan did not answer, he turned his head to look at her again, a hint of mockery in his eyes, and said, "Besides, what could possibly happen between two grown men sleeping in the same bed?"

"Could it be," Chu Ling feigned surprise, drawing out his words, "that you're afraid you might not be able to resist doing something to me?"

Xie Yan: ...What a clever trick to turn the tables.