Madam Yan's Matchmaking Pavilion for Men

74 Not a Scratch, Don't Think too Much

Yu Huang Rong went at a slower pace but still didn't dare to tarry with bringing Zhang Shi Lan over to his hideout. When they reached the small courtyard, he leaped from the horse and then pulled Zhang Shi Lan into his arms, carrying him inside.

Zhang Shi Lan didn't refuse. He felt a bit better than before but still weak. In this condition, he might make trouble for Yu Huang Rong so he wouldn't fuss and just let him handle everything. With that thought, he leaned against his chest and closed his eyes, slowly relaxing. The most difficult part of their plan should have passed. Now, they only needed to wait and put on an act and then things should work out.

Yu Huang Rong saw Zhang Shi Lan's eyes fall shut and the same panic as before gripped his heart. He rushed inside and gently put Zhang Shi Lan down on the bed, not hesitating at all when he opened his belt and pulled his outer robe from his shoulders.

Zhang Shi Lan's eyes flew open and he stared at him in a daze. "Huang Rong, what ..." Seeing Yu Huang Rong's anxious expression, he fell silent. In the end, he reached up and cupped his cheek, rubbing his skin with his thumb. "Don't worry. I'm alright." He turned over to prove his point and let Yu Huang Rong look at his back.

The General didn't need to be told twice. He checked but couldn't find any injury whatsoever. Zhang Shi Lan's back didn't even have a scratch.

Yu Huang Rong heaved a sigh of relief. Not hurt. He wasn't hurt at all.

He pulled Zhang Shi Lan into his arms and took a deep breath, finally calming his frantic heartbeat.

Zhang Shi Lan also sighed and clung to his lover. "It's alright. Don't worry anymore." He brushed through his hair and then looked around. "This place ..."

Yu Huang Rong raised his head and gave him a smile. "It's a place I stay at when I want to get away from everything for a while. I'll just train my martial arts for a few days and take a rest for the remaining time. I've never brought anybody here before." His smile deepened and he leaned forward, pecking Zhang Shi Lan's lips. "You're the first."

Zhang Shi Lan requited his smile and continued to look around. To be honest, he did feel a bit special being brought to this place. "So ... What will we do now? We can't stay here for the whole time or the plan won't work out, right?"

"Mn." Yu Huang Rong nodded and let go of him, getting off the bed and walking over to a trunk at the foot of the bed. "Let's stay here for a few days though. If you really were injured, then making you journey here and back to the capital afterward would worsen your condition. So it is expected to let you rest for a while. Furthermore, you won't have to pretend too much then. It'll be enough if you stay in bed for a week or two and rest your body." Yu Huang Rong rummaged through the chest and finally took out a dark robe. "Change into this. It might be a bit big but it's better than that." He motioned at Zhang Shi Lan's blood-soaked clothes and then awkwardly stood in front of him. Should he leave or stay?

Zhang Shi Lan got up as well and threw the outer robe onto the ground. Looking at his inner robe, he pondered. He couldn't see the back but it should also be full of blood. He finally took it off as well and turned it over, nodding to himself. Sure enough, the fabric was ripped where the weapon had hit him and blood had dyed most of it red. This couldn't be worn any longer.

He sighed and threw it on the ground as well before turning around. Looking at his lover, he blinked his eyes. Yu Huang Rong's face had turned beet-red and his eyes were darting around as if he didn't dare to look at him.

Zhang Shi Lan raised his brows and then looked down at himself, his own cheeks flushing as well. Ah, this was ... He took the dark robe from Yu Huang Rong's hands and put it over, turning away. His heart jumped and his breath had quickened, showing his agitated mood.